The Virginia State Corporation Commission has added two new in-person hearings in November to hear more from the public about NextEra Energy’s proposal to merge with Dominion Energy.
The commission previously ordered a hearing to discuss the proposed $67 billion merger between the two utility holding companies on Nov. 5. However, it announced Sept. 9 two more will be added, but has not provided the dates for the new hearings yet.
The new hearings will also be in addition to three remote or telephone testimony periods that will be held on Nov. 5, 9 and 10. State Commissioner Samuel Towell said this action was driven by the influx of public commentary and input about the merger, as Richmond-based Dominion Energy accounts for nearly 60% of electricity sales in Virginia.
Dominion also owns and operates the North Anna and Surry nuclear power plants in Virginia, which accounted for 28% of the state’s net total generation in 2025.
“This is not a case that, under normal circumstances, would warrant remote, in-person hearings. But this is not a normal case,” Towell said in the order. “Under the facts and circumstances of this case, the addition of remote, in-person hearings as outlined in the order provides an appropriate additional outlet for the receipt of input from [the] public.”
NextEra and Dominion announced their plans to merge in May and submitted paperwork with federal and state regulators in July. In Virginia, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) said she will intervene in the proposed merger due to concerns about affordability for Virginia residents.
The Virginia State Corporation Commission will hold an evidentiary hearing for the proposed merger on Nov. 17. NextEra and Dominion expect the merger to be closed by fall 2027.