Valley Link Cost Estimate Rises to $5.1 Billion
Cost estimates for the Valley Link transmission project have nearly doubled since 2024, and its in-service date has been pushed back to 2031.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Utilities
Live Poll
Should the Valley Link power line be built through Loudoun County despite rising costs?
PJM Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee was told the Valley Link transmission project's cost estimate has increased to $5.1 billion. PJM Interconnection also pushed the project's in-service date back two years to May 31, 2031.
Why it matters
The project's higher cost and later timeline affect electricity transmission planning across Virginia and the surrounding PJM service territory. Opposition from Loudoun County residents and officials to the planned crossing adds uncertainty to the project's schedule.
The combined Valley Link project, a 376-mile transmission line, has risen from an estimated $2.9 billion in 2024 to $5.1 billion. The 10.5-mile Lovettsville segment alone is now estimated at $144.3 million, up from $52.5 million.
The players
PJM Interconnection
PJM Interconnection is a regional transmission organization that oversees power generation and transmission across 13 states, including Virginia.
Valley Link
Valley Link is a transmission project consortium formed by Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy and Transource to build 376 miles of power lines.
Dominion Energy
Dominion Energy is a major Virginia-based electric utility and one of the three consortium members of Valley Link.
The details
Valley Link is a consortium of Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy and Transource. The cost increase is attributed to construction labor, outside services, right-of-way and land costs, and materials and equipment exceeding original bid assumptions.
Timeline
2024: Valley Link first commissioned and estimated at $2.9 billion.
June 1, 2029: Original planned activation date, no longer planned.
May 31, 2031: Final project steps now expected to come online.
Nov. 12: Next Loudoun County open house meeting, 4 to 7 p.m.
Market Landscape
Valley Link is one of the major transmission expansions managed through PJM Interconnection's regional planning process. Its rising costs reflect broader pressure on labor, land and materials in large utility infrastructure projects.
Higher transmission costs can flow through to electricity rates for ratepayers across the PJM territory. Residents near the planned Loudoun County crossing face ongoing uncertainty about the line's route and timing.
The takeaway
Large transmission projects can see costs roughly double in a few years as labor, land and materials prices climb. Tracking the Nov. 12 Loudoun open house gives residents a direct channel to weigh in on the crossing.
What happens next
The next Loudoun County open house meeting on Nov. 12, from 4 to 7 p.m., is scheduled for residents to review the planned crossing.
Further reading
Explore more on Virginia utilities coverage and infrastructure developments.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LoudounNow.
Live Poll
Should the Valley Link power line be built through Loudoun County despite rising costs?
