FAIRFAX, Va. – A public hearing will be held Friday evening to gather community input on a proposed $67 billion merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy. The State Corporation Commission (SCC), Virginia’s utility regulator, has scheduled the meeting in the Board Auditorium of the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Why the hearing matters to local residents
The combined company would become the largest regulated utility in the United States and the world, serving roughly 10 million customers across Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida. Fairfax County officials say the merger could affect electricity rates, job security for local workers and the state’s clean‑energy goals. Those concerns are why the SCC is inviting Virginians to speak directly to commissioners and staff.
Governor’s involvement
Governor Abigail Spanberger formally filed to intervene in August, giving the Commonwealth the legal right to request detailed information about the deal. Spanberger has voiced worries about how the merger might impact Virginia’s affordability, employment and progress toward clean‑energy standards. Her office encourages residents to share their viewpoints at the hearing.
What the companies say
Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy announced the combination in May and filed a petition with the SCC in July. In August, the firms said they would “sweeten” the proposal by adding an expanded package of customer benefits, a move intended to address public concerns and smooth the approval process. The SCC is expected to issue a final ruling by January 2027.
How to participate
Anyone wishing to comment does not need to pre‑submit remarks, but speakers are asked to arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in with designated SCC staff. The hearing will be open to the public, and comments will be recorded for the commission’s official record.
Background on the merger
The merger would unite Dominion’s extensive Virginia transmission and distribution network with NextEra’s renewable‑energy portfolio, creating a utility with a broader geographic footprint and diversified generation assets. Proponents argue the scale will bring operational efficiencies and enable greater investment in modernizing the grid. Critics, however, fear reduced competition could lead to higher rates and less local control over energy policy.
Next steps
After the public hearing, the SCC will review all comments, assess the companies’ filings and consider any additional data requested by the governor’s office. The commission’s decision, expected in early 2027, will determine whether the merger proceeds, is modified or is rejected.
Fairfax County residents and other Virginians are urged to attend the hearing, ask questions and make their voices heard on a deal that could reshape the region’s energy landscape for years to come.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
