# Virginia hearing on the Dominion–NextEra merger draws objections over rates and data centers

Canonical page: https://technooptimist.io/stories/virginia-hearing-on-the-dominion-nextera-merger-draws-objections-over-ab61ebed
Date: 9 Oct 2026
About: [Dominion Energy](https://technooptimist.io/companies/dominion-energy.md)
Original source: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/local-hearing-dominion-nextera-merger-rates-data-centers/832739/

A local public hearing on the proposed NextEra Energy–Dominion Energy merger was held on 9 October 2026 in Fairfax County, the second of two in-person hearings in Virginia. Most officials who spoke asked that the merger be denied or made conditional on guarantees, mainly on costs and data center infrastructure payments.

## Key facts

- The Virginia State Corporation Commission is the regulator; the evidentiary hearing begins 17 November and a decision is expected in January.
- Speakers asked for compliance with the Virginia Clean Economy Act, data centers paying for infrastructure costs, and a ban on regulated utility campaign contributions.
- A Virginia Del. cited a FERC letter of 23 September calling the merger application incomplete.
- NextEra agreed in June to pay a $150 million settlement over allegations related to Florida political interference.

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