A quick hit here for lack of time... A new study by Princeton Energy Resources International contends that Dominion Virginia Power has overestimated future energy demand on the Virginia Peninsula in its justification of the Surry-Skiffes Creek transmission line project.
Annual demand projections of 1.9% yearly were almost twice as high as actual growth from 2002 to 2011, and peak demand has dropped in each of the past four years, according to the report, which was sponsored by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The economy has grown slower than forecast, large military installations in the region have reduced energy demand by 10 percent over the past four years, and the military bases either will continue cutting or will switch to renewable energy.
“The foundation of Dominion’s proposal is built on flawed information,” said Joy Oakes, senior director in the mid-Atlantic region for the NPCA. The Richmond Times-Dispatch has the story here.
Conservationists oppose the proposed the 500 kV transmission line on the grounds that it would cross a historic stretch of the James River near Jamestown, marring near-pristine views. They say a smaller, less intrusive line would supply enough electricity, if coupled with renewable-energy or energy-conservation measures on the Peninsula.
Dominion, which says the failure to build the transmission line in a timely manner could result in frequent blackouts, responded that electricity demand projections are an academic exercise. “The existing load of the Peninsula already exceeds the capability of the transmission system without Yorktown Units 1 and 2,” said spokeswoman Daisy Pridgen. “The Skiffes Creek line is vital in order to continue providing the flow of electricity needed to serve the Peninsula area once those units
“The Virginia State Corporation Commission) and its independent expert consultants verified the power flow studies and modeling algorithms used to develop them,” Pridgen said.
— JAB
