From: Powerline@dominionenergy.com [mailto:Powerline@dominionenergy.com]
Sent: Wednesday, August 16, 2017 3:45 PM
Subject: Haymarket Update: Dominion Energy Files Response to Petitions for Rehearing or Reconsideration
Today, Dominion Energy filed its response to the Coalition to Protect Prince William County and Somerset Crossing HOA Petitions for Rehearing or Reconsideration. We have been very clear from the beginning of this project that what is most important to us is providing the most reliable electric service for our customers. This is a day-to-day mission from our linemen to our transmission planners that look out five and 10 years to predict what our customers may need.
Our filing today reaffirms what we presented to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) through these proceedings and what the SCC concluded in its final order. The need for the project has not gone away. In fact, the growth in the area that has been approved from the time we filed our original application has grown. The necessity and benefits of this project are clear and present. In summary, our brief states:
· The need for the Haymarket transmission facilities has been established and has not diminished since the time of the evidentiary hearing.
· Contrary to purported assertions, the data center campus is continuing to be developed.
· Additional new development in the area has been approved and announced, which further reinforces the need for – and benefits of – this project.
There is no compelling evidence from the Coalition or Somerset Crossing HOA that the SCC should rehear this case. Today’s facts remain consistent with the findings of the SCC: there is continued load growth in the area, we have an obligation to serve and a transmission line is the only viable solution to maintain the reliability of the area.
Every transmission project has a driver, which the SCC reviews and validates, and benefits that are broadly realized across the community. This case is no different. On day one of the project’s completion, the substation will directly serve more than 450 customers (which looks to more than double with the County’s approval of Carter’s Mill), including the Haymarket Medical Center and its expansion, and maintain reliability for more than 6,000 customers in the area.
Routing a new electric transmission facility is often a very difficult process for the company, for the communities along its route, for local government and for the regulators who must make the final decision on the project. We understand and are sensitive to the unavoidable impacts that come with new infrastructure, but the reality is, when someone turns on their lights, they are taking advantage of a transmission line that runs through someone else’s property. We purchase those easement rights based on fair market value and operate our system in the public’s interest.
Once the Coalition and Somerset Crossings HOA file their replies by September 8, 2017, the SCC will make their determination regarding the petitions. Additionally, routing of the needed infrastructure will be further discussed once we provide an update to the SCC by September 22, 2017.
We work to execute our obligation to serve in the most respectful, thoughtful and prudent way that balances the expectations of our regulators and the concerns of the community. As always, we appreciate the community’s patience and continued involvement in this project.
For project information and updates, please visit https://dominionenergy.com/haymarket
Thank you,
Gregory E. Mathe
Electric Transmission Communications
Dominion Energy Virginia