House Republicans Call Revised Dominion Merger Pledges a Step Toward Affordability

Virginia House Republican leaders said Dominion and NextEra's expanded residential bill credits and job guarantees mark progress on affordability as the State Corporation Commission reviews the proposed merger.

House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore, R-Scott County, said reliable, abundant, affordable power underpins household budgets and credited the companies' focus on generation and infrastructure. Del. Scott Wyatt, R-Hanover County, said creating jobs while investing in energy supply would help bills and growth.

Other reactions were mixed. Sen. Louise Lucas, D-Portsmouth, said shifting credits from data centers to residents gives the SCC more positives to consider while still insisting data centers pay their fair share. Del. JJ Singh, D-Loudoun, called the credit change positive but temporary against a permanent merger. U.S. Rep. Eugene Vindman, D-Prince William, labeled the deal a bad bargain for Virginia families regardless of incentives.

The Metallurgical Coal Producers Association told the SCC the combination could support Southwest Virginia's coalfields and development demand for steelmaking coal.