Dominion studying offshore wind power line

The subsidiary of Richmond-based Dominion Resources said the study will look at what it would take to build a high-voltage underwater line from Virginia Beach into the Atlantic Ocean.

The company said it sees the study as the first step in designing, building and operating a transmission line needed to make offshore wind resources available to its customers. The study should be finished this year and will help the utility evaluate the best options to support multiple offshore wind projects in Virginia.

Dominion would need to work with the group that oversees the electric grid for a 13-state region. Any project also would require approval from state regulators.