Bill Text: VA SB784 | 2020 | Regular Session | Prefiled
Bill Title: Transmission lines; relocation and undergrounding.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-02-12 - Left in Commerce and Labor [SB784 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SB784-Prefiled.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 56-585.1:11 as follows:
§56-585.1:11. Transmission lines; relocation and undergrounding.
A. Any proposed relocation of a transmission line of 230 kilovolts or less that will connect to a proposed new substation that has received local final development plan approval shall be placed underground if (i) such line would extend from an existing substation that will be powered by a transmission line of 230 kilovolts or less, (ii) such line received a certificate of public convenience and necessity from the Commission to be placed underground prior to December 31, 2018; (iii) the portion of such line between the existing substation and the proposed new substation is not more than 4,500 linear feet; and (iv) the total cost of undergrounding the proposed relocated transmission line does not exceed $40 million.
B. Existing overhead transmission lines that meet the criteria in clauses (i) through (iv) of subsection A shall be replaced and relocated with a new underground transmission line. The location of the new underground transmission line shall be consistent with the comprehensive plan and the economic development priorities of the governing body of the locality in which the new underground transmission line is to be placed.
2. That the provisions of this act shall expire on December 31, 2021.
3. That any transmission line that meets the criteria established in clauses (i) through (iv) of subsection A of §56-585.1:11 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, prior to December 31, 2021, shall be relocated and placed underground in accordance with this act.
