Balcony Falls

In 2025, Service Electric completed construction of a new double circuit transmission line through rugged terrain in Virginia for Dominion Energy. The Balcony Falls project covered approximately five miles of 115kV line, running through the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests and crossing the scenic James River.

This build was far from routine. It encompassed 49 structures that required installation across mountainous and environmentally sensitive areas, with limited access and no opportunity for conventional construction methods. With more than 40 Service Electric personnel on site, the team worked hand-in-hand with the U.S. Forest Service and Dominion Energy to preserve the natural environment while delivering critical infrastructure.

The project was divided into two phases, with the Balcony Falls section stretching nearly four miles to the connecting Kushaw Substation. Much of the route had to be constructed using aviation support due to the remote location and lack of traditional access. MD 500 and Blackhawk helicopters were used to fly in pole sections — primarily monopole structures with slip joints — all set on micropile foundations.

General Foreman Jared Swetnam noted that the terrain was among the steepest and tightest he’d ever encountered. In certain areas, access was restricted to side-by-sides and foot traffic, requiring innovative thinking and non-traditional approaches to get the job done. Specialized equipment for the micropiles was brought in to install foundations. This equipment required a coordinated supply of both air pressure and water to manage the drilling debris in such remote areas.

Despite the challenges, the Service Electric team once again demonstrated its ability to adapt, problem-solve, and deliver with excellence.