Troutman webinar on Virginia transmission siting and speed to power

Troutman Pepper Locke partners Josh Combs and Andy Flavin discussed transmission planning and siting challenges affecting data center-related power delivery in Virginia and the PJM region.

• The speakers explained that speed to power depends on aligning load growth, transmission planning, and state siting approvals, especially for data centers in Virginia and broader PJM territory.
• They noted that Virginia’s 2026 legislation, effective July 1, 2026, shortens the State Corporation Commission review timeline for transmission CPCNs of 138 kV or higher to nine months, with up to four additional months for public comment; they also said Virginia SCC orders can be appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court, adding a year or more.
• The discussion also highlighted PJM’s forecast of about 3.6% annual summer peak load growth over the next 10 years, reaching over 222,000 MW in 2036 and over 250,000 MW in 2046.