Governor Abigail Spanberger has formally intervened in the proposed $67 billion merger between Florida-based NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy, filing with the State Corporation Commission to participate as a party to the case. The move makes Spanberger the first governor of Virginia to intervene before the commission.
By intervening, Spanberger's administration will have legal standing to request detailed information about the proposed merger, bring concerns forward, and advocate on behalf of Virginia residents. She outlined three priorities to guide her involvement: delivering more affordable energy bills for Virginians, protecting the state's utility workforce, and accelerating Virginia's progress toward producing affordable, reliable, and clean power.
"Virginians deserve to know that their long-term interests, not simply those of the companies involved, are being put first," Spanberger said. "By formally intervening in the SCC case, my Administration will be able to directly advocate on behalf of Virginians impacted by what would be the largest utility merger in U.S. history."
As a party to the case, the Governor and her administration will be able to engage in the regulatory review and make clear that any potential deal must deliver long-term, tangible benefits to the state.