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sioners after the utility sends its route proposals to the SCC in April, Norvelle said.
“New information can affect the outcome,” he said. “Just because we make an application does not mean it’s either what we suggest or it's nothing.”
Norvelle said Dominion engineers explored the possibility of replacing the 500,000-volt wires on the existing towers with 765,000-volt wires. Because Dominion’s system is designed for 500,000 volts, transformers would be required at both ends of the transmission lines to “step up” the voltage at the generator and “step down” the voltage at the substation. The “step down” would cause a backup on the transmission lines, he said.
“We thought that could be a possible alternative and instead it exacerbated things rather than solved the problem,” Norvelle explained.
Working together
Gilbert and Obenshain have a mutual interest in Rappahannock, but they are also working with Del. Clay Athey, R-Front Royal; Del. Scott Lingamfelter, R-Woodbridge; and Del. Ed Scott, R-Culpeper, who also represent areas in the proposed corridor.
Obenshain co-patroned legislation sponsored by Athey during the 2007 legislative session that would require the SCC to consider the effects new power lines would have upon the stakeholders and property owners of an area.
The senator also said he has a close relationship with Congressman Eric Cantor, who represents Rappahannock in the U.S. House of Representatives, and hopes to work with him on this issue.
Obenshain added that he also represents Warren County, which is in the path of the proposed power line as well.
“I have a significant portion of my district that is potentially affected by this,” he said.
Obenshain said he and Gilbert are working to set up a meeting with Farrell to discuss the issues associated with Dominion’s proposal and alternatives to cutting a new corridor.
“They have indicated a willingness to talk about various options,” Obenshain said. “They are looking at a variety of factors, including the cost factor.”
E-mail the reporter at kallen@timespapers.com
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