A: Energy conservation is an important part of the long-term solution to meeting Virginia’s growing demand for electric power, but it will not avoid the need for new generation or transmission lines. Even the most-aggressive, realistic conservation efforts cannot keep pace with the demand for more power. Along increased demand caused by Virginia’s growing population and new businesses, there is additional demand from the increasing number of appliances and equipment that rely on electricity. For example, experts say that every individual, family, business and school in Northern Virginia would have to reduce their use of electricity by 40 percent on days when they now demand the greatest amount of electricity to avoid the new for constructing new electric transmission lines. And, this assumes no growth in demand. Conservation does make an impact and we encourage you to visit our Conservation page for tips on how to reduce your energy consumption.

 

Q: Why would energy companies be interested in promoting energy conservation? Wouldn’t this reduce profit?

 

A: Smart energy use is in everyone’s interest. Cost-effective conservation helps the customers of energy companies to prosper, and a strong economy is good for business. It helps keep the state competitive in attracting jobs and residents, which brings more business to the energy companies. Energy companies are advocates of several conservation programs in Virginia which will help reach the state’s conservation goals. Visit your energy provider’s website to learn more about their efforts to promote energy conservation.

 

Q: Why does Virginia need new sources of electricity generation and transmission?

 

A: Virginia is a net importer of electricity. In fact, we are the second largest importer behind only California. As Virginia builds new sources for electricity generation (both traditional and renewable), new infrastructure will need to be built to get that power to consumers.

 

Q: Can we upgrade existing lines to increase capacity and eliminate the need for new transmission lines?

 

A: Virginia’s existing lines are routinely upgraded. Sometimes that’s not enough. The problem in parts of Virginia is not a lack of available electricity overall, but rather a congested system of lines that carry electricity to where it is needed. Investments are needed to strengthen transmission infrastructure to reliably supply electricity where it is in highest demand. Much like our roads, many existing transmission lines are simply over congested. Because of the interconnected nature of the transmission system, if one line fails, it could initiate a cascading failure of multiple lines that would quickly leave a particular region in the dark. This has happened in other parts of the United States.