Massachusetts attorney general working to stop nuclear merger

Democratic lawmakers warned that the $67B NextEra Energy-Dominion Energy merger could raise U.S. electricity prices and reduce competition. They urged FERC to scrutinize the deal, citing concerns about market power and consumer costs. NextEra and Dominion plan to close the merger by late 2027, creating the world's largest regulated electric utility. The companies have pledged $2.25B in bill credits for Dominion customers.

Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy's $67B merger would form the largest U.S. regulated electric utility. Virginia customers will receive four years of bill credits and more low-income assistance, while South Carolina customers get two years. Virginia officials have pushed for more concessions, unlike South Carolina leaders. The South Carolina Public Service Commission will decide by January's end.

Virginia's return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) will add a $10 monthly charge to Dominion Energy customers' bills for two years, pending approval. Dominion estimates $1.2B in costs for carbon allowances. Customers will receive credits from auction proceeds, with 45% of funds reducing bills. The first auction yielded $259M, with allowances selling at $37.65. The State Corporation Commission will review the case in October.

Dominion Energy (D) and NextEra Energy (NEE) seek regulatory approval for a merger, potentially impacting 10 million utility customers. The deal includes $2.25B in shareholder-funded bill credits for customers in VA, NC, and SC. SC residents are calling for similar benefits to those offered in VA, including monthly bill credits and job investments. The merger requires approval and is expected to close in late 2027.

NextEra Energy proposes a $66.8B acquisition of Dominion Energy, aiming to create the world's largest regulated utility. Virginia's SCC will assess if the deal benefits ratepayers. NextEra offers temporary bill credits, but critics argue it may lead to higher rates and infrastructure costs. Dominion's CEO received $16M in 2025. Public input is sought to influence the decision.

NextEra Energy reports a 35.1 GW project backlog as of Q2 2026, driven by demand from hyperscale computing clients. The company targets 15-30 GW of new capacity for data center hubs by 2035, with 30% of recent backlog from clients like Google and Meta. Q2 2026 saw a 3.6 GW addition, the second-largest on record. The pipeline includes solar, storage, gas, and potential nuclear projects.