Spanberger intervenes in $67B Dominion-NextEra merger over electric bill concerns

Virginia’s State Corporation Commission ordered that new large-load data centers pay for transmission infrastructure built exclusively for them, instead of spreading those facility-specific costs across all ratepayers. The ruling in a utility rate case says big tech demand drives dedicated lines and substations. Dominion Energy must submit a revised cost-allocation proposal within 90 days.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she will intervene in the proposed $67 billion Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy merger, citing questions about impacts on Virginia jobs, communities, and energy affordability. The Virginia SCC has 180 days to review. Separately, Virginia’s treasury returned a record $159 million in unclaimed property. Trump issued executive orders limiting birthright citizenship.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she will formally intervene in regulatory proceedings over NextEra Energy’s proposed $67 billion acquisition of Dominion Energy, calling the deal “deeply skeptical.” She cited data centers’ growing electricity demand and Virginia’s recent debates on taxes and environmental standards for data centers.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she will seek intervenor status in the State Corporation Commission review of Dominion Energy’s proposed $67B sale to NextEra Energy. She wants conditions on customer electric bills, Virginia jobs and clean energy, and says the SCC still decides approval. The all-stock deal would give NextEra 74.5% and Dominion 25.5%, with $2.25B in bill credits.

Virginia’s State Corporation Commission ordered utilities, including Dominion Energy, to create tariffs requiring data centers to pay the full cost of dedicated transmission lines and grid upgrades built solely for their facilities, after Gov. Abigail Spanberger urged the change. Spanberger said it could save ratepayers hundreds of millions. The governor also intervened in the proposed Dominion Energy-NextEra Energy $67B merger.

Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger says she will formally intervene in the State Corporation Commission’s review of Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy’s proposed $67 billion merger. The SCC has until Jan. 15 to rule, with hearings in November. Spanberger cites priorities including lower electric bills, job protections, and accelerated clean power; Dominion says the deal includes $1.78 billion in bill credits.