Saltville - Wolf HillsTransmission Line Rebuild Project

Appalachian Power representatives plan upgrades to the transmission system in Washington and Smyth counties in Virginia. The Saltville-Wolf Hills Transmission Line Rebuild Project involves rebuilding about 26 miles of 138-kilovolt (kV) electric transmission line and upgrading several substations in the area.

The main portion of the project—rebuilding 26 miles of transmission line—is currently paused. Crews plan to proceed with upgrades at the Abingdon Substation.

Project Updates

Spring 2025: Due to schedule changes, the project team is not submitting the 26-mile rebuild to the Virginia State Corporation Commission this year. This portion of the project is on hold. Crews plan to proceed with upgrades at the Abingdon Substation.

July 22, 2024 - The project schedule has shifted. The project team now plans to file an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) in early 2025.

July 27, 2023 - Company representatives have determined a proposed power line route. The project team plans to rebuild most of the line near or within our existing right-of-way. Directly-involved property owners can expect to hear about next steps from the right-of-way contractors representing Appalachian Power on this project. The project team plans to file an application with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) in spring 2024.

January 19, 2023 - The project team invites landowners and community members to attend a public open house to learn more about the project and provide input on route options. Since there is no formal presentation, residents may join the planned event at any time and at a location that is most convenient to them.

In the case of inclement weather, please check the project website for any cancellations or rescheduled open house dates.

Tuesday, Feb 7, 5-7 p.m.
Abingdon Elementary School
19431 Woodland Hills Rd
Abingdon, VA 24210

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 5-7 p.m.
Saltville Elementary School
1013 E Main St
Saltville, VA 24370

Project Releases

News Release - January 19, 2023 (PDF)

Timeline

Structures

Most of the existing line consists of lattice towers. Crews plan to rebuild the line using steel lattice towers and single poles.

Proposed Structure Height: Approximately 80-130 feet*
Right-of-Way Width: Approximately 100 feet*

*Exact structure types, height and right-of-way requirements may vary

Virginia State Corporation Commission Approval Process

Virginia State Corporation Commission Approval Process (PDF)

Application to the Virginia State Corporation Commission

The project team plans to file this project for approval with the Virginia State Corporation Commission in two separate applications:

Abingdon Substation expansion filing: October 2024
Saltville-Wolf Hills transmission line rebuild filing: Paused indefinitely

Once the applications are accepted for review you can follow the cases and contact the Virginia State Corporation Commission on their website: www.scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

Abingdon Substation Expansion Filing

Abingdon 138-kV Substation Transmission Project_Volume 1 of 2_Part A (PDF)

Abingdon 138-kV Substation Transmission Project_Volume 1 of 2_Part B (PDF)