The OFW Solar Project in Virginia has applied to connect to power lines operated by the wrong utility, instead of a second set of nearby transmission lines, necessitating a total restart of the PJM interconnection process that could push construction back to 2032.
A solar project in Mount Jackson, Virginia submitted interconnection documentation with the wrong electrical pole specified. They estimate the project will be delayed by five years.
Based on the Mount Jackson City Council Agenda Report during the April 21, 2026 session, the start of construction of “OFW Solar Project LLC” could possibly be postponed until 2032. The developer of the OFW project initially received approval in 2017 and subsequently received a special permit in March 2022. They recently determined that the power line they specified to connect to their interconnection application was the wrong power line. The special permit expires on July 1.
The “wrong” power line is owned by local municipal utility Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, while the project hopes to connect to power lines owned by Dominion Energy.
The developer noted that resubmitting the interconnection application and going through the process with PJM will add three years to the timeline. Once the interconnection process is complete, Energix suggested it will likely take two years for Dominion Energy to build the substation upgrades that will allow them to connect the 75 MWac facility to the grid.
When the project was discussed in the City council meeting April 21the developer simply explained, “That’s our fault.”
The developer is requesting a five-year extension of the current special use permit. The council has said a short-term extension would allow for expert advice before considering a full extension, which would then be voted on at a public hearing.
Source – Mount Jackson Town Agenda
The developer presented the updated schedule and an updated revenue sharing program with the city. Mount Jackson would begin receiving $10,000 annually as the project develops, assuming the project develops in the future. PJM interconnect queueand then obtains building permits to commence commercial operation.
The city will receive two payments totaling $1 million, first $250,000 upon receipt of the construction permit and then $750,000 upon commencement of commercial operation. By 2032, when the project becomes commercially operational, payments of $1,694/MW – more than $127,000/year in total – will follow as part of the formal tax bill. These payments will increase by 10% every five years.
After thirty years of operating the power plant, Mount Jackson will receive more than $6 million in taxes and land payments, in addition to the lease to the landowners.
The site is actually home to two solar power plants. An initial 15 MW facility, connected to Dominion Energy’s power lines, completed in July 2021.
This content is copyrighted and may not be reused. If you would like to collaborate with us and reuse some of our content, please contact: editors@pv-magazine.com.
Popular content
