January 3, 2003

RICHMOND, Va. - Dominion Virginia Power applied December 30, 2002 with the State Corporation Commission to build the second phase of a two-part transmission line project to ensure continued reliable electric service to several high-growth Northern Virginia counties.

Recent rapid growth and development in the eastern part of Loudoun County, Fairfax and Prince William counties have accelerated planned improvements in Dominion's electric facilities originally scheduled for 2007-2008.

To serve the high-growth areas and meet regional reliability guidelines, the company applied to build an additional 230-kilovolt transmission line in Loudoun County from its new Greenway substation to a proposed substation north of Arcola by 2005.

The SCC approved the first phase of the project in July, permitting the company to build two, short 230-kilovolt transmission lines. The first line will run for almost one mile from the existing transmission lines along the W&OD Trail northward to the new Beco substation. The second line will be approximately 2.5 miles long, from the Beaumeade substation along the W&OD trail and southward to the new Greenway substation.

The project's second phase will involve an additional 230-kilovolt power line that would originate at the company's existing power line corridor northwest of Arcola at the crossing with Evergreen Mills Road. The proposed route would proceed in an easterly direction, run along Route 606 and through commercial properties, terminating at the new Greenway substation north of the Dulles Greenway toll road.

More information on the project is available on Dominion's web site.

Prior to submitting its application, Dominion held numerous public meetings, conducted a survey of Loudoun County residents from the project area and held several discussions with the county's Board of Supervisors, Planning Commission and Land Use Committee. Additionally, the company met with area property owners, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Washington Metropolitan Airport Authority as well as representatives from several commercial businesses.

The SCC will begin a formal process to review the application, hold public hearings and make a decision as to the need and location for the power line. Information about the SCC Division of Energy Regulation is available online.

Dominion has a diversified and integrated energy portfolio consisting of about 24,000 megawatts of generation. Dominion also serves more than 3.8 million franchise natural gas and electric customers in five states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.

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