Dominion Energy Virginia Receives Approval for Major Solar Expansion

The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has granted approval for Dominion Energy Virginia to proceed with over a dozen new solar projects, marking a significant expansion of the state’s clean energy fleet.

These projects, totaling 764 megawatts (MW) of electricity generation capacity, will power nearly 200,000 homes at peak output. They include four solar projects, amounting to 329 MW, to be owned or acquired by Dominion Energy Virginia, as well as 13 power-purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 435 MW with independently owned solar projects.

Ed Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia, highlighted the importance of these projects in delivering reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy to customers, emphasizing the company’s commitment to Virginia’s clean energy transition.

Upon completion, Dominion Energy’s solar fleet, currently the second largest in the nation, will exceed 4,600 MW in Virginia, providing power to over 1.1 million homes at peak output.

The construction of these projects is expected to create more than 1,600 jobs and generate over $570 million in economic benefits across Virginia. The utility-owned projects include the Beldale Solar (57 MW) in Powhatan County, Blue Ridge Solar (95 MW) in Pittsylvania County, Bookers Mill Solar (127 MW) in Richmond County, and Michaux Solar (50 MW) in Henry and Pittsylvania Counties.

Before construction can commence, the projects require local and state permits, with completion expected by 2026.

While the cost of the projects is estimated to add approximately $1.54 to the average residential customer’s monthly bill, Dominion Energy Virginia’s rates remain 12% below the national average and 31% below the Mid-Atlantic average.