Dominion Va. to study offshore transmission line

RICHMOND, Va.

Dominion Virginia Power is studying the possibility of an offshore electric transmission line to support wind farm development.

The subsidiary of Richmond-based Dominion Resources Inc. said Thursday the study will look at what it would take to build a high-voltage underwater line from Virginia Beach into the Atlantic Ocean.

The company said it sees the study as the first step in designing, building and operating a transmission line needed to make offshore wind resources available to its customers. The study should be finished this year and will help the utility evaluate the best options to support multiple offshore wind projects in Virginia.

Dominion would need to work with PJM Interconnection, the group that oversees the electric grid for a 13-state region to plan a power line project. Any project also would require approval from state regulators.

In response to the announcement, Gov. Bob McDonnell said electricity generation from winds off the coast of Virginia holds great promise as a source of renewable power and new jobs. He said the study will "help us better understand the possibilities of utilizing this green energy to help power our economy."

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, and serves retail customers in 14 states.