Dominion Energy’s Strategic Undergrounding: Cutting Outage Times Fast
Discover how Dominion Energy’s Strategic Underground Program is revolutionizing grid resilience by burying vulnerable power lines, slashing outage durations, and boosting reliability ahead of hurricane season.
Key Takeaways
- Dominion’s Strategic Underground Program has buried 2,000 miles of power lines since 2014.
- Outage durations dropped from 11 hours to 2 minutes in undergrounded areas.
- Directional drilling minimizes property impact during underground installations.
- Mainfeeder Hardening complements undergrounding by strengthening poles against tree damage.
- The program enhances customer safety and shareholder value amid climate volatility.
Imagine a hurricane barreling toward your neighborhood, and instead of fearing a blackout, you feel confident your lights will stay on. That’s the vision Dominion Energy has been steadily turning into reality since 2014 with its Strategic Underground Program (SUP). Focused on relocating the most outage-prone overhead power lines underground in Virginia and North Carolina, this initiative tackles the root causes of storm-related outages—weather and tree damage. With 2,000 miles of lines already buried and outage times slashed from 11 hours to a mere 2 minutes, Dominion is reshaping grid resilience just in time for hurricane season. This article dives into how the SUP works, its impressive results, and why it’s a game-changer for utilities and customers alike.
Transforming Vulnerable Lines
Dominion Energy’s Strategic Underground Program zeroes in on the power lines that have long been the Achilles’ heel of the grid—overhead tap lines that snake into neighborhoods and are most vulnerable to weather and tree damage. Since launching in 2014, the program has methodically identified these weak links using data-driven insights, then relocated them underground. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a strategic shield against outages that have plagued communities for years. Imagine the relief when a storm hits, and instead of waiting hours—or even days—for power restoration, customers experience outages that last mere minutes. That’s the kind of transformation Dominion is delivering, turning fragile overhead lines into robust underground lifelines.
This targeted approach also means resources are focused where they matter most, avoiding the costly and disruptive task of burying every line. By prioritizing the most outage-prone segments, Dominion maximizes impact and efficiency. It’s a smart, surgical strike against the chaos that storms bring, proving that sometimes, going underground is the fastest way forward.
Cutting Outage Times Dramatically
Here’s a stat that stops you in your tracks: in areas where Dominion has buried power lines, outage durations during storms have plummeted from an average of 11 hours to just 2 minutes. That’s a staggering 98% reduction. Think about what that means for families, businesses, and emergency services—no more long nights in the dark, no spoiled food, no lost productivity. It’s the difference between frustration and reassurance.
This dramatic improvement isn’t accidental. It’s the result of careful planning, advanced technology, and relentless execution. By removing the lines from the storm’s direct path, Dominion cuts the risk of damage and accelerates restoration. Customers don’t just get their power back faster—they get a lifeline when they need it most. This kind of reliability builds trust and sets a new standard for what a utility can deliver.
Innovating Installation Techniques
Burying thousands of miles of power lines isn’t a simple feat, especially when it involves navigating neighborhoods and private properties. Dominion Energy tackles this challenge with advanced directional drilling technology, a method that bores underground with precision, minimizing disruption to homes and landscapes. This technique is like threading a needle beneath the surface, allowing crews to install cables without uprooting trees or tearing up yards.
But technology is only half the story. Dominion’s commitment to community engagement ensures that property owners and neighborhood groups are partners, not obstacles. Through clear communication and dedicated contacts, the company secures easements and keeps residents informed every step of the way. This blend of innovation and collaboration smooths the path for undergrounding projects, turning what could be a headache into a shared mission for resilience.
Strengthening the Grid Beyond Undergrounding
Dominion’s resilience strategy doesn’t stop at burying lines. Complementing the Strategic Underground Program is the Mainfeeder Hardening initiative, which upgrades older poles with taller, stronger versions featuring fiberglass cross-arms designed to resist tree damage. Since 2019, over 265 miles of power lines have been hardened, with a goal to reach 1,000 miles by 2030. This dual approach—undergrounding the most vulnerable lines and fortifying the rest—creates a layered defense against outages.
Together, these programs address different vulnerabilities, ensuring that the grid is not only protected from storms but also better equipped to recover quickly. It’s a comprehensive playbook for utilities facing the increasing challenges of climate volatility. For customers, it means fewer interruptions and a more reliable power supply, no matter what nature throws their way.
Preparing Customers for Storm Season
As the Atlantic hurricane season stretches from June 1 to November 30, Dominion Energy urges customers to stay prepared. Knowing how to report outages and staying clear of downed power lines are critical safety steps. Dominion offers multiple channels for outage reporting and restoration tracking, including a mobile app and customer service lines, making it easier than ever to stay connected during storms.
This proactive communication complements the physical improvements to the grid. While undergrounding and hardening reduce the likelihood and duration of outages, being informed and ready remains essential. Dominion’s approach blends infrastructure investment with customer engagement, creating a partnership that strengthens resilience from the ground up. It’s a reminder that while technology can shield us, awareness and preparation are our first lines of defense.
Long Story Short
Dominion Energy’s Strategic Underground Program isn’t just about burying wires; it’s about unburying peace of mind for millions. The dramatic reduction in outage durations—from nearly half a day to mere minutes—translates into safer, more reliable power when storms strike. Coupled with complementary efforts like Mainfeeder Hardening, Dominion is building a grid that stands tall against nature’s fury while enhancing shareholder value through operational excellence. For customers, this means fewer disruptions and faster recoveries. For the utility sector, it’s a blueprint for resilience in an era of climate uncertainty. As hurricane seasons loom, Dominion’s ongoing commitment reminds us that investing in infrastructure isn’t just smart—it’s essential. Stay informed, prepare wisely, and watch how strategic undergrounding is lighting the way forward.