We received word earlier today that the Prince William County board of supervisors was planning to put the transmission line on its agenda this afternoon. We're awaiting word on how the discussion may have gone (if you have information, please post a comment on this blog entry).

In advance of the meeting, we delivered a letter to the supervisors, offering technical assistance on any element of the issue for which the County supervisors and staff may need additional information.

We understand that the board members intended today to focus on the feasibility of burying the power lines. From the beginning, Virginia's Commitment has taken the position that burying power lines, in areas of important scenic and historic value in the Commonwealth, should always be considered. We've determined that the economics of burying parts of a power line are more affordable than Dominion Power ever wants us to believe.

At the same time, we also urged the Prince William County board of supervisors to step back and look at the larger issue at hand. Namely, Dominion Power's proposal to erect a new 500 kv transmission line is terribly flawed. Quite simply, there is no need to build the line at all.

The alternative? Better use of existing technologies and systems resulting in broader reliability, affordable rates and more focus on Virginia needs.

Our own case will be presented to the State Corporation Commission soon. It will definitively demonstrate that citizens, local governments and the business community should reject Dominion Power's irresponsible claims of impending blackouts.

As Prince Williams County digs into the controversy, we encourage leaders to look carefully at the question of burying power lines. On that topic, we can help.

Likewise, our consulting engineers, attorneys and utility economists are available to provide the county additional support as it ponders the whole core question of need at all for the transmission line.

We'd like to see that dialogue take place with all Prince William citizens involved, and with Dominion Power's participation, at public forums where we can debate the issue openly and honestly.

So far, Dominion Power appears to prefer a more "behind closed doors" approach. That's wrong. Too much is at stake for a regulated utility with a near monopoly to push its agenda through a whisper campaign.

Join us at a Prince William County or Fairfax County citizens forum, Dominion Power.

It's Day Five of the "Where's Dominion?" Watch.

Have you seen Dominion today?

Click to read my letter to the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.