New 1,329 MW Warren County power station enters commercial operation

The newest member of Dominion Virginia Power's electric generation fleet, 1,329MW natural gas-fired Warren County Power Station, has entered into commercial operation. The power station, located just north of Front Royal, Va., can produce enough electricity to power about 325,000 homes at peak demand. The $1.1 billion facility came in on time and under budget.

Construction started in March 2012, and the post- construction economic benefits are expected to be more than $35 million annually. The station has more than 350 miles of electrical cable and 35 miles of pipe. The 37,000 cubic yards of concrete used in the construction is enough to pave an 8-mile stretch of two-lane highway.

Warren County Power Station is now considered the largest natural gas-fueled generating facility in the state. It is expected to relinquish that title in 2016, when its sister station, Dominion's 1360MW Brunswick Power Station, in Brunswick County, is scheduled to come on line.

David A. Christian, chief executive officer-Dominion Generation said the newest power station was a welcome addition to a generating fleet. “It is already one of the cleanest and most-reliable in the nation, and fills a critical need to meet growing demand in the Commonwealth and in Northern Virginia in particular. It is built to be both environmentally and economically efficient, promoting quality of life as well as economic development."

The use of environmentally cleaner natural gas at the station melds well with Dominion's goal to maintain reliable service, meet growing customer demand and keep rates low, Christian said. The company operates a diverse mix of generation that includes nuclear, coal, hydro, natural gas and renewable, such as wind and solar.