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Orange Today
By the People, for the People
Couple's Off-Grid Dream Home Threatened by Power Line Project
Dominion Energy's plans for massive transmission lines could disrupt couple's rural escape in Orange County.
Apr. 8, 2026 at 2:11am
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The battle between renewable energy expansion and rural self-sufficiency plays out in one Virginia family's fight to preserve their off-the-grid dream home.Orange TodayAfter moving to rural Orange County, Virginia to build their off-the-grid dream home, the Pennington family now faces the prospect of having their peaceful country lifestyle disrupted by Dominion Energy's plans for a massive new power line project that would run directly through their property.
Why it matters
The Penningtons' story highlights the growing tension between the need for expanded energy infrastructure and the desire of some Americans to live a more self-sufficient, environmentally-conscious lifestyle away from urban areas. As renewable energy and the electrical grid undergo major transformations, conflicts like this are likely to become more common in communities across the country.
The details
The Penningtons had purchased several acres of land in Orange County last year with the goal of building a completely off-the-grid home powered by solar panels and a small wind turbine. However, Dominion Energy recently unveiled plans for a new 500-kilovolt transmission line project that would run directly through the Penningtons' property, requiring the clearing of a wide swath of their land.
- The Penningtons purchased their land in Orange County in 2025.
- They began construction on their off-grid home in early 2026.
- Dominion Energy announced its transmission line project in March 2026.
The players
The Penningtons
A couple who moved to rural Orange County, Virginia to build an off-the-grid dream home, but now face the prospect of having their plans disrupted by a major power line project.
Dominion Energy
A large electric utility company in Virginia that is planning a new 500-kilovolt transmission line project that would run through the Penningtons' property.
What they’re saying
“We came out here to get away from it all and live a more sustainable lifestyle. Now it feels like Dominion is trying to take that away from us.”
— Sarah Pennington, Homeowner
“These transmission lines are critical infrastructure that will help bring more renewable energy to Virginia homes and businesses. We understand the concerns of local residents, but believe this project is necessary for the greater good.”
— Pamela Faggert, Chief Environmental Officer, Dominion Energy
What’s next
Dominion Energy plans to hold public hearings on the transmission line project in the coming months to gather feedback from local residents like the Penningtons. The company will then submit its final plans to state regulators for approval.
The takeaway
As the demand for renewable energy and upgraded electrical infrastructure grows, conflicts between utility companies and rural residents seeking to live off-the-grid are likely to become more common. This story highlights the need for better coordination and compromise between these competing interests.
