Dominion Energy wants to make some changes. Earlier this year, the company got approval from the Lunenburg County Board of Supervisors to build and operate an electric substation in the area. Now, as they have with other projects in neighboring Charlotte County, Dominion wants to amend the conditions.

An electric company like Dominion can’t just build a substation. They have to come before the county and ask permission, first going through the planning commission and then appearing before supervisors for a vote. Dominion did all that for this project, labeled as the “Unity” substation, back in April and May. They’re coming back during the Board of Supervisors meeting set for Thursday, Sept. 12, asking to amend the conditions set up for the permit.

WHAT IS THE PERMIT CURRENTLY FOR?

This substation is set to be built on a 213 acre parcel of land southeast of 251 Dusty Lane in Kenbridge. Forty-nine acres from this piece has been set aside for purchase and use by Dominion.

In earlier interviews with The Dispatch, Dominion officials said the substation is to be constructed as part of the larger “South Hill Electric Line” project, designed to keep up with economic development and increased demand across the region. The full South Hill concept involves two new electric transmission lines running through this area down to the South Hill and La Crosse sections a bit further south.

“The Unity substation is being built to bolster reliability and address growing energy needs in the region. The Dusty Lane location was chosen due to the proximity of existing electric transmission infrastructure,” said Dominion Energy spokesman Craig Howell in an earlier interview with The Dispatch.

The entire South Hill project for Dominion doesn’t get started until Unity is complete. The company’s project is split into four phases, with the first involving construction of the Unity substation, with lines running to the county line with Mecklenburg.

Public notice for the project was originally provided in April 2022. The State Corporation Commission gave approval to move forward with the substation back in June of 2023, but Dominion still had to put together plans and make their way to the Lunenburg County Planning Commission, to get a recommendation.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

A public hearing, with Dominion officials explaining what they want to change, will be held at the supervisors’ meeting on Thursday, Sept. 12, beginning at 6 p.m. That’ll take place in the second floor courtroom in the Lunenburg Courts Building. Beyond that, as for when will this project be finished? Well, that’s not going to happen for a while.

According to Dominion’s website, construction was originally scheduled for early 2024. Construction is tentatively targeted for completion by the summer of 2025.