Dominion-NextEra deal goes before Virginia communities

(The Center Square) – The proposed $67 billion combination of Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy is headed to communities across Virginia as the deal remains under review by state regulators. Five public meetings are planned for September, giving Virginians an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns about utility bills, reliability and other potential effects of the acquisition. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi announced the Energy Costs Listening Tour Monday, the latest step in her push for greater scrutiny of the deal. "An acquisition of this size and significance requires a thorough, transparent review," Hashmi said. "Virginians deserve the opportunity to understand what this proposal could mean for their utility bills, their community, and our shared energy future." Stops are scheduled for Sept. 2 in Loudoun, Sept. 8 in Hampton Roads, Sept. 9 in Richmond, Sept. 14 in Charlottesville and Sept. 24 in Roanoke. Specific venues have not yet been announced. Each meeting will include elected officials and energy experts, along with time for residents to ask questions and share concerns. Hashmi's office said input gathered during the tour will help inform ongoing conversations about Virginia's energy future and the review process. The tour website also directs residents to the State Corporation Commission's public comment process. Comments submitted directly to the commission become part of the official record in the merger case. Hashmi has previously pushed for a broader examination of the acquisition. Before Dominion and NextEra formally filed their application, she urged regulators to require the companies to answer 64 additional questions covering customer rates, competition, financing, corporate governance and the potential benefits for Virginia customers. Dominion and NextEra filed their joint application July 15. Under Virginia law, the SCC generally has 60 days after an application is deemed complete to issue a decision, with one extension of up to 120 days. The companies have proposed $2.25 billion in bill credits for customers in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina over two years after the transaction closes. They have said the combination would improve access to capital, lower financing costs and support additional investment in generation, transmission and grid infrastructure. The proposal has continued to draw scrutiny since the filing. Gov. Abigail Spanberger moved last week to formally intervene in the SCC proceeding, giving her administration a direct role in the regulatory case.