Opponents of the proposed $67 billion Dominion Energy–NextEra merger are continuing efforts to bring more voices into the opposition as the Virginia State Corporation Commission prepares to hear public comments Thursday, Nov. 5.
At least two events are planned outside the SCC building in Richmond at 1 p.m. ahead of the afternoon hearing, including a rally and an interfaith “People Before Profits” press conference calling on regulators to reject the deal.
Those events will be followed by the in-person public hearing from 2 to 5 p.m.
Opponents have raised concerns about the merger’s potential effect on electricity bills, corporate accountability and the influence of a Florida-based company over Virginia’s largest electric utility.
They question whether residential customers could ultimately bear costs associated with the construction of power plants and transmission infrastructure to serve expanding data centers, and what the merger could mean for communities and landowners affected by new energy projects.
The companies, meanwhile, have expanded their proposed benefits package. Their latest commitments include four years of shareholder-funded residential bill credits, an additional $100 million for Dominion’s EnergyShare assistance program, and a pledge to shield customers from merger-related costs.
They also say Dominion Energy Virginia would retain its name and local leadership, while the companies would maintain Virginia employment levels for five years and add jobs along with a new NextEra office tower in Richmond. The companies say additional financial and governance safeguards would protect the utility’s independence and accountability to the SCC.
Whichever side you’re on, Thursday, Nov. 5, is the last scheduled opportunity to offer public comments in person. The event will be held in the 2nd floor courtroom at 1300 East Main St., Richmond, VA, 23219
Written comments may be submitted through Nov. 12.
An evidentiary hearing begins Nov. 17, with a final decision expected by Jan. 11, 2027.