Dominion Energy

Data Center Signal is tracking 20 clips about Dominion Energy data center developments across 3 states, including VA, SC, DC.

20Clips

3States

States

Topics

electricity90%

government80%

opposition60%

environmental55%

water25%

legal20%

zoning5%

announcement5%

News ClipWVTF·Scottsville, Fluvanna County, VA

Data centers' energy demand drives grid construction in Central Virginia

Rapidly increasing electricity demand, primarily driven by Northern Virginia data centers, is spurring major grid expansion projects across Central Virginia. This includes a new 115-mile transmission line and a second natural gas power plant in Fluvanna County, proposed by Tenaska. Local residents and environmentalists are pushing back against these infrastructure developments due to concerns about land conversion, pollution, and health impacts.

electricity environmental opposition government zoning

4/21/2026

News ClipE&E News by POLITICO·DC

‘The absolute edge of precedent’: FERC prepares to take on data centers

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), backed by the White House, is preparing a proposal to assert federal authority over how large electricity customers, particularly data centers, are integrated into the national power grid. This aims to accelerate AI infrastructure development and standardize grid interconnection, while also addressing the immense energy consumption of data centers and the allocation of costs for grid upgrades. The move is contentious, facing pushback from state regulators and public opposition over impacts on utility bills and local resources.

electricity government opposition water legal

Microsoft Amazon Google Meta OpenAI xAI Oracle

4/20/2026

News Clipdnronline.com·VA

Ivy Main: Virginia is making strides on clean energy – even as it falls behind

Virginia is falling behind on its clean energy goals, largely due to immense electricity demand from data centers and regulatory decisions favoring fossil fuels. Despite past setbacks by the State Corporation Commission, new legislative initiatives and the incoming governor aim to steer the state back towards its carbon-free targets and better manage utility monopolies. The state's ability to meet climate goals is significantly challenged by data center energy consumption.

electricity government environmental

4/13/2026

News ClipPrince William Times·Prince William County, VA

Mounting electricity bill fees add to rising costs$

Electricity bills for Virginians have significantly increased due to various fees and "riders," with data center demand being a primary driver of soaring costs for utilities like Dominion Energy, NOVEC, and REC. These hidden charges, regulated by the State Corporation Commission, have grown rapidly, burdening residential customers.

electricity

4/2/2026

News Clipmsn.com·VA

Dominion Energy customers oppose proposed 11% rate hike at first public hearing

Dominion Energy customers are expressing opposition to a proposed 11% rate hike during the first public hearing on the matter. This rate increase could significantly affect the operational costs for businesses, including data centers, operating within Dominion Energy's service territory.

electricity opposition

4/1/2026

News ClipHeatmap News·Ashburn, Loudoun County, VA

Electricity Price Increases Hit Different in Virginia$

Electricity prices are rising significantly in the PJM Interconnection territory, affecting states like Virginia, Maryland, and D.C. While data center growth in Virginia's "data center alley" is a contributing factor, the situation is nuanced, with other elements like generation mix and regulatory models playing a role. Consumer complaints about high utility bills are becoming a political issue across the region.

electricity government opposition

4/1/2026

News ClipVirginia Business·VA

More data centers equal more electricity demand

Virginia's position as a global data center hub is causing a significant surge in electricity demand, challenging Dominion Energy's supply capabilities and straining the state's infrastructure. This growth has prompted intense legislative and policy debates on how to meet energy needs, address environmental concerns, and ensure data centers contribute adequately to infrastructure costs. Legal actions are also underway regarding energy project approvals.

electricity water environmental government opposition legal

4/1/2026

News ClipThe Center Square·VA

Report: Policy decisions, infrastructure pushing up electric bills

A new report from Clean Virginia attributes rising electricity bills in Virginia to a mix of policy decisions, infrastructure needs, and growing demand, with data centers identified as a primary driver. Dominion Energy disputes these findings, stating its rates are below the national average and increases reflect broader trends. The State Corporation Commission recently approved rate increases for Dominion Energy, expected to affect customers by 2026 and 2027.

electricity government

3/30/2026

News ClipThe Central Virginian·Louisa County, VA

Local dog boarding service fears transmission line impact

A Louisa dog boarding service owner, Sarah Strentz, is opposing the proposed 115-mile Valley Link Electric Transmission Line Project, citing concerns about the potential negative impact of high-voltage lines on animal behavior and navigation. The project, a joint venture between Dominion Energy, FirstEnergy Transmission, and Transource, is designed to meet Virginia's growing energy needs and could cut through 20 miles of Louisa County. Strentz plans to file her opposition with the State Corporation Commission, which will have the final vote on the project.

opposition environmental electricity

3/25/2026

News ClipWVTF·Frederick County, VA

Conservationists warn data centers' water, energy consumption threatens public lands

The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) released a report warning that Virginia's booming data center industry is threatening the mid-Atlantic region's natural resources due to immense demands for electricity and water. The report highlights potential physical encroachment on public lands and the strain on the Potomac River and power grid, with recommendations for increased transparency and oversight.

electricity water environmental government

3/24/2026

News ClipThe State·Walterboro, Colleton County, SC

‘Keep the wild places wild.’ Public opposes planned gas plant near SC’s ACE Basin

A proposed $5 billion natural gas plant in Colleton County, South Carolina, developed by Dominion Energy and Santee Cooper, faces strong public and environmental opposition. Residents and activists are concerned about pollution, habitat destruction in the ACE Basin, and rising energy costs. The Public Service Commission is expected to make a decision by mid-June, with further public hearings scheduled.

environmental electricity opposition government

3/24/2026

News ClipWHRO·Chesterfield County, VA

Dominion Energy says data centers aren’t raising people’s bills. Energy researchers say they are.

Dominion Energy claims data centers do not increase residential electricity bills, attributing recent hikes to weather and inflation. However, energy researchers and environmental groups contend that data centers are driving the need for expensive new infrastructure, like a gas plant in Chesterfield, whose costs are ultimately passed on to all customers. This has led to growing public pushback and legislative efforts to address the financial impact.

electricity government opposition

3/23/2026

News ClipBlue Virginia·Richmond, Richmond City County, VA

Clean Virginia: "Lawmakers largely fail to protect Virginians from rising electric bills and data center impacts, Governor can still act"

Clean Virginia criticizes the Virginia General Assembly for failing to address rising electric bills and the impacts of data center expansion during its 2026 session. The advocacy group highlighted legislative inaction on major reforms and called on Governor Spanberger to use the veto session to implement changes to protect residents from increased costs. Key issues included data center energy demands, utility profits, and tax exemptions.

electricity government opposition

3/23/2026

News ClipBluffton Today·Canadys, Colleton County, SC

Natural gas pipeline project opponents: Citizens have rights and a voice

Environmental groups and landowners are actively opposing a proposed natural gas power plant in Canadys, Colleton County, South Carolina, and its associated 70-mile pipeline. They are urging residents to voice concerns at upcoming public hearings, arguing that the projects' true purpose is to provide energy for data centers, not residential heating. Opponents highlight environmental impacts and question the need for fossil fuel expansion.

opposition environmental government electricity water legal

3/23/2026

News ClipWHRO·VA

Virginia lawmakers passed big changes to energy and environment policy this year. Here’s a look.

Virginia lawmakers passed significant energy and environmental policy changes, including rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative and optimizing the electric grid. The new legislation also directly impacts data centers by requiring reporting on water usage, setting stricter air permit standards for diesel generators, and promoting waste heat recovery and demand flexibility programs. These policies aim to manage energy demand and environmental impact across the state.

electricity environmental government water

3/20/2026

News Clip2:03WJBF·SC

New rate set to shield some South Carolina customers from data center energy costs

The Central Electric Power Cooperative and 19 South Carolina energy co-ops have unanimously adopted a new rate structure. This rate aims to protect families and businesses from the energy costs incurred by data centers. Protections include 15-year minimum contracts, prepayment for infrastructure, and provisions for reducing electricity use during shortages.

electricity

Residents protest plan for high-voltage power line through nine Virginia counties

Dominion Energy and AEP are proposing a 115-mile high-voltage power line, called the Valley Link project, through nine Virginia counties to supply electricity for data centers and other industrial growth. Residents, particularly in Fluvanna County, are actively protesting the plan due to concerns over eminent domain, potential health risks, and environmental impacts. The companies are holding community meetings and plan to file their request with the State Corporation Commission in September.

electricity opposition environmental government legal

3/18/2026

News Clip2:29WTVR CBS 6·Richmond, Henrico County, VA

Dominion Energy responds to questions about data centers and your energy bill

This video addresses concerns from Central Virginia residents about the potential impact of data centers on energy bills, and features a response from Dominion Energy, the local utility provider.

announcement government

2/26/2026

News Clip2:37FOX 5 Washington DC·Prince William County, VA

Virginia residents raise concerns over data centers and rising energy costs

Residents in Prince William County, Virginia raised concerns over the rapid growth of data centers and the impact on energy costs and local resources. Opposition was voiced against a proposed Dominion Energy transmission line project to connect data centers, which critics say could drive up electricity costs and strain the community.

opposition environmental government electricity

2/1/2026

News Clip2:22WRIC ABC 8News·Ashburn, Loudoun County, VA

'Huge steps': Environmentalist weighs in on new data center rate class, protections for Dominion Ene

The Virginia State Corporation Commission approved a partial rate increase for Dominion Energy that will raise average residential bills in 2026 and 2027. One key component of the case was how the state would handle the surging demand from data centers in areas like Loudoun County.

government environmental

12/3/2025