Virginia governor intervenes in $67 billion NextEra-Dominion deal
Why it matters: The move could shape utility bills in a state where data center growth has fueled anger over rising power costs.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger will step into the state review of NextEra Energy’s planned $67 billion purchase of Dominion Energy, arguing regulators must protect residents from higher electricity costs. Her office said it is the first time a Virginia governor has intervened before the State Corporation Commission, which can approve, reject or set conditions on the merger. Spanberger said the governor’s role will let the state press for information and demand long-term savings for customers. The deal, agreed in May, would create the world’s largest regulated electric utility. Dominion supplies northern Virginia, home to the world’s biggest data center market, a flashpoint in voter concerns about power bills.