Central Virginia Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed $1B Power Line Project

Officials say Virginia will need more electricity by 2035 as demand grows, but residents worry about impact on their land and communities.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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A roughly $1 billion transmission line project is being proposed that could stretch across nine counties in Central Virginia. The plan would build new high-voltage power lines to deliver more reliable power to the region, including for data centers. However, many residents are concerned about how the project could affect their property and future plans, with some calling it a "generational loss." The proposal will go to the Virginia State Corporation Commission for final approval.

Why it matters

This project is part of Virginia's efforts to prepare for growing electricity demand across the state, but it has sparked significant backlash from residents who fear the impact on their land, homes, and communities. The debate highlights the tensions between infrastructure development and preserving rural and agricultural areas.

The details

Valley Link Transmission says the plan would build new high-voltage power lines stretching more than 100 miles from Campbell County to Spotsylvania County. The company says the lines will "deliver more reliable power to the area, not just for data centers but to realistically enable growth throughout the region." However, many residents are worried about the impact on their property, with some saying the lines would run over land they have spent decades turning into a homestead. Others, like Tiffany Trexler, say the lines would be located about 1,000 feet from their property, disrupting their plans for a "quieter lifestyle" and raising a family.

  • Officials say Virginia will need significantly more electricity by 2035 as demand across the state continues to grow.
  • A community meeting was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2026 in Appomattox County to discuss the proposed transmission line project.

The players

Valley Link Transmission

The company proposing the $1 billion transmission line project that would stretch across nine counties in Central Virginia.

Scott Blake

A spokesperson for Valley Link Transmission.

Nathan Brown

A resident who says the proposed transmission line would run over property he has spent nearly two decades turning into a homestead, which he hoped would stay in his family for generations.

Tiffany Trexler

A resident who says the proposed line would run about 1,000 feet from her property, disrupting her plans for a "quieter lifestyle" and raising a family.

Scott West

A resident who says he is still listening and trying to understand the proposal.

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What they’re saying

“With this line we'll be able to deliver more reliable power to the area, not just for data centers but to realistically enable growth throughout the region.”

— Scott Blake, Spokesperson, Valley Link Transmission (wset.com)

“The direct impact on customer rates is too early to tell. What we can say is: as more usage comes onto the system, it can help diminish everyone's cost.”

— Scott Blake, Spokesperson, Valley Link Transmission (wset.com)

“It's heartbreaking. It's just heartbreaking.”

— Nathan Brown (wset.com)

“It's generational loss is what it is, because this land was planned to be like this forever.”

— Nathan Brown (wset.com)

“We wanted a quieter lifestyle. We wanted to start a family and raise a family in the county and not be bothered by projects like this.”

— Tiffany Trexler (wset.com)

What’s next

Valley Link says more community meetings are expected before a final route is proposed. That plan will then go to Virginia's State Corporation Commission, which will have the final say on whether the project moves forward.

The takeaway

This proposed power line project highlights the ongoing tensions between infrastructure development and preserving rural communities in Virginia. While officials say the lines are needed to meet growing electricity demand, residents are deeply concerned about the impact on their land, homes, and quality of life, raising questions about how to balance these competing priorities.