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Virginia Environmentalists Frustrated by New Dominion Energy Development Forecasts

Dominion Energy's plan favors natural gas, sparking criticism from environmentalists for lacking climate action.
A view of power lines owned by Dominion Energy in Culpeper, Va. Credit: Zack Wajsgras/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Dominion Energy, Virginia’s monopoly utility, faced criticism from environmentalists after releasing its integrated resource plan, which highlights a commitment to natural gas infrastructure.

Virginia environmental groups have pressured Dominion to adopt clean energy sources and avoid new fossil fuel infrastructure.

State law mandated Dominion to include a “stakeholder process” in its integrated resource plan. The plan provides insight into the company’s future energy strategies without detailing specific projects or rate changes.

The 2024 plan emphasizes clean energy commitments alongside plans for new natural gas generation. According to Peter Anderson of Appalachian Voices, the plan fails to address climate change adequately.

PJM, the grid operator for 13 states and D.C., predicts electricity demand will surge by 2039. Dominion proposes an “all of the above” strategy to meet this demand.

Natural gas in Dominion’s portfolio has sparked public meetings and debates. The company explores new plant sites and considers hydrogen blending to reduce emissions, despite its high cost and energy consumption.

Dominion is building the largest U.S. offshore wind farm and plans to expand solar, transmission, and storage capacities, while maintaining nuclear energy. The company asserts a commitment to clean energy without sacrificing reliability or affordability.

Data centers, critical to modern life and AI, drive Virginia’s energy demand. The state hosts the world’s highest concentration of data centers, notably in Loudoun County.

Anderson criticized PJM’s demand forecast, suggesting utilities might inflate growth projections. He doubts its accuracy and questions its methodology.

Dominion’s forecast includes scenarios under potential EPA regulation rollbacks and compliance with state or federal laws like Virginia’s Clean Economy Act, which demands 100% renewable electricity by 2050. Regulatory compliance scenarios show reduced emissions but lower profits for Dominion.

Despite stakeholder input, Dominion’s non-gas scenario isn’t pursued. None of its models account for retiring fossil fuel assets, a requirement under the Virginia Clean Economy Act, allowing for exceptions. Rachel James from SELC notes this omission obscures Dominion’s climate change strategy.

Dominion might add 20,000 megawatts of clean energy by 2039, with 6,000 megawatts for natural gas. A regulatory rollback could increase emissions to 25 million metric tons of carbon, higher than recent levels.

Anderson comments on Dominion’s “capital bias,” stating profit drives infrastructure expansion irrespective of emissions. “This is par for the course with Dominion,” he said.

Dominion’s President, Ed Baine, states no single source can meet customer needs, emphasizing a comprehensive plan for reliable, affordable, and clean energy.

The SELC intends to oppose Dominion’s plans before the State Corporation Commission, which will approve or deny them.

Anderson, en route to a clean energy conference, discussed meeting energy demand under Virginia’s laws, stating, “We have the technology. The question is, do we have the will?”

Original Story at insideclimatenews.org

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Environmental activists have raised concerns over the fossil fuel sector’s significant impact on COP29, the latest United Nations Climate Change Conference. Activists argue that the industry’s presence diverts focus from critical climate actions.



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According to Climate Action Network, fossil fuel representatives have increased their lobbying activities, aiming to weaken climate policies. These industries allegedly influence negotiations, leading to watered-down commitments that fail to address the urgency of climate change effectively.



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During the event, several protests highlighted the need for transparency and a stronger focus on sustainable energy solutions. Activists are calling for increased participation of renewable energy stakeholders in future conferences.



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