Alexandria and Arlington are teaming up to have their say on the proposed $67 billion acquisition of Dominion Energy by NextEra Energy.
On Sept. 22, the city and Arlington County signed a joint representation agreement to intervene together in the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) case reviewing the deal. Alexandria announced its intervention in August, and the Arlington County Board voted to join in September. The new agreement lets them present a united case.
Photo courtesy of Gaskins
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins
“This acquisition would have significant implications for the millions of Virginians who rely on these utilities. Their needs and interests must remain at the center of this process,” said Mayor Alyia Gaskins. “By participating directly in these proceedings, Arlington and Alexandria can bring our local perspective and expertise to the table, ensure the impacts on our communities are fully considered, and advocate for an outcome that protects Virginia customers.”
Arlington County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti said the two communities share common goals.
Arlington County photo
Matt de Ferranti, chair, Arlington County Board
“Arlington and Alexandria share common interests in championing reliable, affordable, and equitable clean energy for the residents and businesses we serve,” he said. “We are proud to stand together to put forward a unified voice in advocating for just and reasonable rates, reliable service, and the clean energy future our Commonwealth deserves.”
What’s at stake
NextEra and Dominion filed their joint merger petition with the SCC on July 15. According to the city, the deal would be the largest energy merger in U.S. history and would create the world’s largest regulated electric utility.
The combined company would serve about 10 million customers in Virginia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, including about 2.7 million Virginia households.
The deal at a glance
NextEra, the Florida-based parent of Florida Power & Light, and Richmond-based Dominion announced on May 18 that they had agreed to combine in an all-stock transaction. Dominion shareholders would receive 0.8138 NextEra shares for each Dominion share, plus a one-time cash payment of $360 million divided among all outstanding shares.
The merged company would keep dual headquarters in Juno Beach, Florida, and Richmond. NextEra CEO John Ketchum would serve as chairman and CEO, and Dominion CEO Robert Blue would lead the regulated utilities, which would continue to operate under their existing names in Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. For Northern Virginia customers, that means the Dominion Energy name on the bill wouldn’t change.
Virginia’s SCC isn’t the only regulator that has to sign off. The deal also needs approval from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, as well as shareholders of both companies. The companies expect it to close within 12 to 18 months of the announcement.
Photo courtesy of Office of the Governor
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger
Alexandria and Arlington aren’t the only ones weighing in. Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced in August that the state would also intervene in the SCC case.
Key dates
- Nov. 2: Last day to sign up as a public witness
- Nov. 5, 9 and 10: Public witness testimony in Richmond
- Nov. 9: Last day to submit written comments
- Early 2027: Final SCC decision expected
How to weigh in
The SCC is accepting public comments on the merger now. Residents can submit comments on Case PUR-2026-00112 or visit the SCC’s public comment page to learn more.
To follow the case, Arlington residents can sign up for the county’s Climate Action Updates emails. Alexandrians can follow the city’s Office of Climate Action on social media at @EcoCityALX.
