Virginians Voice Views on Dominion/NextEra Merger at SCC Hearing

Virginians expressed their views on the proposed merger between Dominion Energy and Florida-based NextEra during a State Corporation Commission public hearing Thursday. While some voiced dissent, many backed the agreement that would establish the world’s largest energy company. Do your duty state commission! Stop Dominion acquisition! chanted faith leaders and activists outside Virginia’s State Corporation Commission in downtown Richmond.

Opposition Expressed at Hearing

Rabbi Ellen Jaffe-Gill from Tidewater Chavurah in Virginia Beach expressed concern to the crowd that the merger would result in higher costs for ratepayers who are already under significant financial strain. We urge the state corporation commission to scrutinize this proposed merger carefully and to put the interests of Virginia’s families and communities first, she told the crowd.

Support Cited for Economic Benefits

Meanwhile, inside the hearing, the merger got a much warmer reception. Myron Nahra, a Virginia Beach accountant, highlighted the $100 million investment in workforce training that NextEra had committed to as part of the merger agreement. Training workers for good paying jobs will help strengthen our economy, support local businesses, and create opportunities for future generations, Nahra told the three-member panel of regulators.

Public Hearing Set Nov. 5 in Richmond on Dominion-NextEra Merger

Regulators Weigh Key Priorities

State Senator Kannan Srinivasan’s Loudoun County district encompasses numerous data centers that he believes are fueling the power demand driving the deal. The Democrat stated that regardless of the regulators’ decision, it will likely be the most significant one they ever make and if Virginians are not assured substantial benefits, he opposes the agreement. Affordability and reliability are not competing priorities, Srinivasan told the SCC. Virginians should not be asked to trade one for the other in order to approve this deal. The SCC is expected to make a decision on the merger by mid-January.