Dominion Energy drops Blue Route for Prince William power line

Nokesville, Va., July 23, 2026

Dominion Energy has eliminated the Blue Route from its proposed transmission line project in western Prince William County, dropping the option that had drawn opposition from residents and county lawmakers, FOX 5 DC reported Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

The Blue Route, made up of the corridor options known as Routes 5 and 12, would have crossed the middle of Prince William County and directly affected thousands of residents, primarily in the Braemar neighborhood of Bristow, according to FOX 5. The project is meant to serve growing electricity demand in the region, including from data centers.

A Dominion spokesperson told FOX 5 the company spent months gathering feedback from residents and other stakeholders, and that the feedback led to the latest changes in the proposal.

FOX 5 also reported that Prince William County does not plan to grant easements allowing Dominion to cross county property for the project.

Two routes remain near Nokesville

With the Blue Route out, Dominion is focusing on the two remaining options, Routes 10 and 11, in the Nokesville Village and Kettle Run areas, FOX 5 reported. Residents have raised concerns about those corridors' effects on private rural property. Among the parcels in the remaining paths is Windy Knoll Farm, an active cattle and sheep operation that also hosts weddings and agricultural education programs for 4-H, FFA, and scouting groups.

During a virtual meeting, Dominion said it is exploring placing the lines underground, an option local advocacy groups have long sought, according to FOX 5. Nokesville resident Vida Carroll told the station the remaining routes would damage private rural residential land and said the community is asking for "an underground feasibility study" she said Dominion has promised for months without delivering. Carroll also credited the county board for taking action.

Open house Thursday at Patriot High School

Dominion will present its updated plans and take questions from Prince William County residents at a public open house on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at Patriot High School in Nokesville. The Coalition to Protect Prince William County plans to attend, with a focus on the project's long-term effects on private land and working farms, FOX 5 reported.