dominion power plans to merge with another energy giant

In Virginia, electricity is a regulated monopoly in Virginia. Dominion Energy is the largest provider with over 2.6 million customers serving eastern, central, and northern Virginia. Dominion seeks to merge with NextEra Energy and if this merger goes through, it will become the largest regulated utility in the world.

For Virginians, the effects would be mixed with potential benefits and legitimate concerns that regulators (State Corporation Commission) and legislators will need to examine before approving the deal. The SCC must render a decision on this merger by January 2027.

Here are some of the benefits of the merger:

• Lower Electric Bills (at least initially with $2.25billion in shareholder funded bill credits for Dominion Customers)

• Better Reliability (Demand for electricity is growing)

• More Investment (additional transmission lines, nuclear investments, battery storage)

• Jobs (Construction and Engineering)

• Headquartered in Richmond

• Dominion name remains

Here are some of the possible downsides of the merger:

• Less competition

• More political influence (Dominion is one Virginia’s top political con

• Fewer alternatives for customers

• Future Rate Increases (Data Centers)

• Job Losses (Merger/Duplicity)

Making a Case for Virginia is advising the Virginia State Corporation Commission and legislators the following questions:

• Will residential customers be protected from paying for infrastructure primarily serving data centers?

• How long will the savings last after the initial credits ($2.25billion) expire?

• Will Dominion remain genuinely accountable for rates, transparency, ensure residents benefit?

• Will state regulators retain strong oversight and protect property rights as new infrastructure is built?

The merger is a big deal and citizens need to know that they will be impacted. The SCC is an important decision that affects all Virginians. Former Governor Jim Gilmore stated, “Legislators and community leaders deserve more time to fully consider the implications of this business proposal…I call on Governor Spanberger to call a special session to consider extending the deadline for the SCC decision.”

Making a Case for Virginia joins former Governor Jim Gilmore in extending the deadline so that citizen input if heard, legislators can debate fully the implications, and for the SCC to weigh in all options before deciding.