The City of Alexandria and Arlington County are joining forces to intervene in the proposed Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy merger case.
The neighboring localities announced Monday (Sept. 28) they filed a joint representation agreement on Sept. 22 to join the case.
The proposed $67 billion merger — through Florida-based NextEra’s acquisition of Dominion Energy — is under consideration at Virginia’s State Corporation Commission. The electric utilities filed the joint merger petition with the SCC on July 15, and there is a 180-day review period leading to a decision in early 2027.
If approved, the combined electric utility would serve about 10 million customers across Virginia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, including approximately 2.7 million in Virginia. It would be the largest energy merger in the U.S. and represent the world’s largest regulated electric utility.
“This acquisition would have significant implications for the millions of Virginians who rely on these utilities. Their needs and interests must remain at the center of this process,” Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins said in a release. “By participating directly in these proceedings, Arlington and Alexandria can bring our local perspective and expertise to the table, ensure the impacts on our communities are fully considered, and advocate for an outcome that protects Virginia customers.”
Alexandria had officially joined as a case participant in August, followed by Arlington in September.
“Arlington and Alexandria share common interests in championing reliable, affordable, and equitable clean energy for the residents and businesses we serve,” Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said. “We are proud to stand together to put forward a unified voice in advocating for just and reasonable rates, reliable service, and the clean energy future our Commonwealth deserves.”
Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) is also a case participant, marking the first time a Virginia governor has intervened in an SCC case. A bipartisan group of lawmakers had called for a special session to extend the 180-day review period, and Attorney General Jay Jones (D) said the SCC should restart the review period after the companies presented new incentives with the proposed merger.
The SCC has scheduled in-person public hearings for 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at Christopher Newport University (Freeman Center’s Gaines Theater, Newport News) and 6-8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 9 at the Fairfax County Government Center in the Board Auditorium (12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax).
Public testimony can also be by phone from 8:30-11 a.m. Nov. 5 and 4-7 p.m. Nov. 9 and 10. Nov. 2 will be the last day to file as a public witness for the November hearings, and Nov. 9 is the deadline to submit written comments. An evidentiary hearing involving case participants will begin on Nov. 17 in Richmond.
