Latest news with #EdBaine
Business Wire
02-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Buried power lines are reducing storm-related outages for Dominion Energy Virginia customers
RICHMOND, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, Dominion Energy has finished burying more than 2,500 miles of the most outage-prone power lines in Virginia. Burying these lines significantly reduces power outages and restoration time during storms. The work is part of the company's Strategic Underground Program, which was launched in 2014. The program targets areas with the most outages from fallen trees, the leading cause of power outages in Virginia. The company plans to bury thousands more miles in the coming years. The results so far are very positive. The average outage time for customers with buried lines has fallen from 11 hours to just 2 minutes. With fewer outages in these areas, crews can more quickly restore power for other customers. In many areas, average restoration time for all customers has been cut in half during major storms such as tropical storms and hurricanes. 'We're focused on delivering more value for our customers every day,' said Ed Baine, President of Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia. 'It's personal for us because we know power is important for everything in our customers' daily lives. We've made a lot of progress in the most outage-prone areas, and our customers are seeing real results. They're experiencing fewer storm-related outages, and their power is being restored sooner. The results will continue getting better as we make more progress in the years to come.' The company's Mainfeeder Hardening program is further reducing storm-related power outages by replacing thousands of older utility poles and cross arms across the company's system. Average outage time for customers served by hardened mainfeeder lines has fallen by 30%. Since 2019, the program has replaced more than 8,000 utility poles and 9,500 cross arms along more than 265 miles of mainfeeder lines, with the goal of reaching 1,000 miles by 2030. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and is expected to be active. Dominion Energy encourages customers to prepare with the following tips: Download the Dominion Energy mobile app to report outages and track restoration during storms. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and report them by calling 866-DOM-HELP. Fully charge electronic devices before storms and consider portable battery packs. Get generators serviced before storm season and ensure proper ventilation. Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and medications. More preparedness tips are available here. Spanish-language versions of Dominion Energy press releases are available here.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Buried power lines are reducing storm-related outages for Dominion Energy Virginia customers
The company finished burying 2,500 miles of the most outage-prone power lines ahead of the hurricane season Average outage time for customers served by buried power lines has fallen from 11 hours to 2 minutes Customers are reminded how to prepare for hurricane season RICHMOND, Va., June 02, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the Atlantic hurricane season begins, Dominion Energy has finished burying more than 2,500 miles of the most outage-prone power lines in Virginia. Burying these lines significantly reduces power outages and restoration time during storms. The work is part of the company's Strategic Underground Program, which was launched in 2014. The program targets areas with the most outages from fallen trees, the leading cause of power outages in Virginia. The company plans to bury thousands more miles in the coming years. The results so far are very positive. The average outage time for customers with buried lines has fallen from 11 hours to just 2 minutes. With fewer outages in these areas, crews can more quickly restore power for other customers. In many areas, average restoration time for all customers has been cut in half during major storms such as tropical storms and hurricanes. "We're focused on delivering more value for our customers every day," said Ed Baine, President of Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia. "It's personal for us because we know power is important for everything in our customers' daily lives. We've made a lot of progress in the most outage-prone areas, and our customers are seeing real results. They're experiencing fewer storm-related outages, and their power is being restored sooner. The results will continue getting better as we make more progress in the years to come." The company's Mainfeeder Hardening program is further reducing storm-related power outages by replacing thousands of older utility poles and cross arms across the company's system. Average outage time for customers served by hardened mainfeeder lines has fallen by 30%. Since 2019, the program has replaced more than 8,000 utility poles and 9,500 cross arms along more than 265 miles of mainfeeder lines, with the goal of reaching 1,000 miles by 2030. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 and is expected to be active. Dominion Energy encourages customers to prepare with the following tips: Download the Dominion Energy mobile app to report outages and track restoration during storms. Stay at least 30 feet away from downed power lines and report them by calling 866-DOM-HELP. Fully charge electronic devices before storms and consider portable battery packs. Get generators serviced before storm season and ensure proper ventilation. Stock up on essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and medications. More preparedness tips are available here. Spanish-language versions of Dominion Energy press releases are available here. About Dominion Energy Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. The company is one of the nation's leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. The company's mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers its customers every day. Please visit to learn more. News Category: Virginia & North Carolina View source version on Contacts Media Contacts: Northern Virginia: Aisha Khan, 703-397-4429, Central Virginia: Craig Carper, 804-219-8314, Eastern Virginia & Northeast North Carolina: Cherise Newsome, 757-840-0100, Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dominion requests rate hike that could increase power bills by $20 a month
Dominion Energy has requested rate increases that could tack on nearly $20 to the average customer's bill by next year to accommodate for the 'cost of labor, materials and equipment, power capacity and fuel,' the energy provider announced Tuesday. Dominion Energy filed rate increase requests, which propose new base and fuel rates, with the Virginia State Corporation Commission Monday. The commission is the regulatory agency in charge of the state's utilities and would need to approve any rate increase. Specifically, Dominion requested base rate increases of $8.51 per month starting in January 2026 for residential customers, and another $2.00 per month starting in January 2027. This would be the first increase of the base rate, or the base cost of generating power, since 1992. The proposed new fuel rates — or the part of the power bill that pays for fuel used to generate electricity — would go into effect in July. Dominion is proposing an approximately $10.92 monthly fuel rate increase for residential customers. According to Dominion, the increase will 'reflect the increasing demand for power' in the region, such as the extended cold and freezing weather in Virginia earlier this year and higher forecast fuel commodity prices. Rising power bills are also affected by 'riders' or RACs, or rate adjustment clauses. These clauses allow Dominion to recover costs associated with specific projects, like building new infrastructure, through additional costs on bills. How Dominion Energy sees its future: A look at its long-term plan for demand, affordability Data centers could double Virginia's energy use in a decade. Bills to regulate them are getting mixed support. What is a rider fee? Here's what those extra charges on your Dominion power bill mean. Ed Baine, president of utility operations and Dominion Energy Virginia, said in a statement that Dominion is dedicated to 'providing exceptional value' for customers. 'Outside of major storms, we deliver uninterrupted power 99.9% of the time, and we're significantly reducing storm-related outages as well. This proposal allows us to continue investing in reliability and to serve our customers' growing needs,' Baine said. In October, Dominion Energy filed its Integrated Resource Plan, a long-term planning document for the next 15-20 years, with the commission. In the plan, Dominion maps out a forecast of demand and its plan to meet it. The proposed IRP reports that demand is forecast to increase 5.5% annually over the next decade and double by 2039. Rapid data center expansion in Virginia is driving at least part of that increase, with Dominion noting in the IRP that it serves the largest data center market in the world. The IRP says peak loads have been increasing each year and are expected to continue to grow. A report issued last year by the state's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission highlighted the environmental and energy costs associated with data centers. If the industry continues to grow unrestrained, the nonpartisan report predicts the state energy demand is projected to double in the next 10 years, largely driven by data centers. State lawmakers sought to rein in data center growth this year in the General Assembly, but most legislation failed to pass. As part of Monday's filing, Dominion proposed a new rate class for high-energy users like data centers, which would 'ensure these customers continue to pay the full cost of their service and other customers are protected from stranded costs.' Under the proposal, high-energy users would be required to make a 14-year commitment to pay for their requested power, even in cases where they may use less. An SCC public hearing on Dominion's IRP is slated for April 14. The public can submit written comments on the plan through April 8 by visiting Baine said in a statement after the IRP's release that the provider needed to take an 'all-of-the-above' approach to energy production, including about 3,400 megawatts of offshore wind in addition to the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind Project, a large-scale project that began construction off the coast of Virginia Beach. The plan detailed more solar power, about 12,000 megawatts, and 'small modular nuclear reactors' in the 2030s. About 20% of the plan's incremental power generation will come from natural gas. As for rates, the plan also included a projected bill analysis that showed a steep increase in what customers pay over the next decade. For a household using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, a Virginia resident paid about $143, the IRP states. When taking to account load growth over the next 15-20 years, the same household would pay $215.62 at the end of 2035 and $214.24 by the end of 2039. For North Carolina residents, bills would go from about $128 at the end of this year to $204 by 2039. 'We know our customers are feeling the impact of inflation in other areas of their lives, and some of our customers may need assistance with their power bills,' Baine said, noting Dominion's EnergyShare program could provide relief for customers that qualify. The program, which is not based on income, reviews applications for bill assistance on a case-by-case basis for households in crisis. Heating assistance is up to $600 from Oct. 1 to May 31 and cooling assistance up to $300 from June 1 to Sept. 30. Customers who receive EnergyShare bill payment assistance can receive a free home energy assessment, and the installation of some energy-saving upgrades come with no cost. Some of these include LED light installation, insulation or a tune-up for heat pumps. Dominion reported that more than 12,600 customers were connected to the EnergyShare program from 2023 to 2024. Eliza Noe,
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dominion Energy Virginia proposes new rates to continue delivering reliable service and increasingly clean energy
Proposed rates reflect the increasing cost of labor, materials and equipment, power capacity and fuel, as well as grid upgrades to reliably serve customer growth If approved, proposal would be the company's first base rate increase since 1992 If approved, new fuel rate would take effect on July 1, 2025, and new base rates would take effect in 2026 and 2027 Company proposes new rate class for high energy users, including data centers, and additional consumer protections RICHMOND, Va., April 01, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--In separate filings with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) yesterday, Dominion Energy Virginia proposed new base and fuel rates that will allow the company to continue delivering reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy to its customers. The company requested base rate increases of $8.51 per month in 2026 and $2.00 per month in 2027 for a typical residential customer. If approved, this would be the company's first increase in base rates since 1992. Over the past decade, the company's residential rates have increased at a rate approximately 40% lower than the rate of inflation. The request reflects significant inflationary pressures since 2023, when the company filed its last biennial case, including increases in the cost of labor, as well as materials and equipment such as cables and wires, utility poles, transformers and power generation equipment. The increase also reflects needed investments to reliably serve a growing customer base. "We're focused on providing exceptional value for our customers every single day," said Ed Baine, President of Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia. "Outside of major storms, we deliver uninterrupted power 99.9% of the time, and we're significantly reducing storm-related outages as well. This proposal allows us to continue investing in reliability and to serve our customers' growing needs." Baine added, "We know our customers are feeling the impact of inflation in other areas of their lives, and some of our customers may need assistance with their power bills. We're here to help. Our Energy Share program not only offers among the most supportive bill assistance in the country, but also provides free home energy efficiency upgrades to help lower your energy use and save on your monthly bills." To promote rate stability, the company is also proposing to move power capacity costs from the base rate to the annual fuel rate. These power capacity costs are set by PJM, the regional electric grid operator, and assigned to Dominion Energy Virginia. They reflect the increasing demand for power throughout the region and the company's service territory. This requested change, in addition to the fuel cost of extended cold weather in January 2025 and higher forecasted fuel commodity prices, will result in a $10.92 monthly fuel rate increase for a typical residential customer. This total includes the scheduled expiration of a $3.99 fuel credit from a previous fuel case. The company does not earn a profit on fuel or power capacity costs. If approved, the new fuel rate would take effect on July 1, 2025, and the new base rates would take effect on January 1, 2026 and January 1, 2027. In addition to new rates, the company also proposed a new rate class for high energy users, including data centers, as well as new consumer protections to ensure these customers continue to pay the full cost of their service and other customers are protected from stranded costs. Under the proposal, high energy users would be required to make a 14-year commitment to pay for their requested power – even if they use less. About Dominion Energy Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. The company is one of the nation's leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. The company's mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers its customers every day. Please visit to learn more. News Category: Virginia & North Carolina View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Aaron Ruby, 804-489-8081, Investor Contact: David McFarland, 804-819-2483, Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
PJM selects regional transmission projects to be jointly developed by Dominion Energy, American Electric Power, FirstEnergy
Companies will jointly develop transmission projects in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland to reliably serve the region's growing power demand Needed transmission reliability investments will also increase the grid's resiliency and capacity to support new generation Projects are in the early stages of development, with more detailed plans for permitting, regulatory approvals and public participation expected in the coming months RICHMOND, Va., February 27, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection has selected several electric transmission projects that will be jointly developed by Dominion Energy, American Electric Power Company through its Transource Energy affiliate and FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC across multiple states within the PJM footprint. The companies jointly proposed the projects through PJM's Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) Open Window process in September 2024, and yesterday they were awarded by the PJM Board of Managers. PJM is the regional transmission organization that coordinates the transportation of wholesale electricity across the 13-state region that includes Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. The companies will develop the projects through the recently formed Valley Link Transmission Company, LLC joint venture. The innovative collaboration will leverage the companies' collective expertise and resources to deliver comprehensive and cost-effective solutions that address the region's growing power needs. After a lengthy review process, PJM determined the joint venture's proposed projects, among others, best met the reliability needs of the grid. The projects will support economic development while ensuring every customer has the energy they rely on every day. "These projects are essential for the economic vitality of our region, the reliability of our grid and the everyday lives of our customers," said Ed Baine, President of Utility Operations and Dominion Energy Virginia. "These are comprehensive solutions needed to reliably serve the growing needs of our customers, and we thank PJM for their thorough review." "By leveraging the collective expertise of our three companies, we have the opportunity to build robust transmission facilities that will address documented reliability concerns on the regional power grid," said Mark Mroczynski, President, Transmission at FirstEnergy. "While we're in the very early stages, we look forward to engaging with communities and stakeholders in the months ahead to discuss the need for these projects and listen to the ideas and concerns of our customers." "AEP has decades of experience with projects of the size and scope needed to serve the unprecedented growth in energy demand," said Bob Bradish, senior vice president, Regulated Infrastructure Investment Planning for AEP. "This joint venture is a unique solution to addressing the needs of our customers and ensuring long-term reliability and continued economic growth opportunities in the region." The selected projects include: Building approximately 260 miles of 765-kilovolt (kV) transmission line and two substations between Putnam County, West Virginia and Frederick County, Maryland. Building approximately 155 miles of 765-kV transmission line and a substation between Campbell County, Virginia and Fauquier County, Virginia. Building a new substation in Caroline County, Virginia. The projects are in the early stages of development and do not have a firm time frame yet for permitting, regulatory approvals and construction. Following PJM's recent awards, the companies will advance the development of project details, which includes assessing potential routes and conducting thorough environmental studies. The companies are committed to collaborating with residents, local governments and other stakeholders in the project communities at every stage of the process. Community engagement is crucial for making informed decisions that reduce or prevent potential impacts. In addition to the jointly developed projects, PJM selected several other transmission projects that will be developed individually by each of the three companies in their service areas. About Dominion Energy Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va., provides regulated electricity service to 3.6 million homes and businesses in Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, and regulated natural gas service to 500,000 customers in South Carolina. The company is one of the nation's leading developers and operators of regulated offshore wind and solar power and the largest producer of carbon-free electricity in New England. The company's mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers its customers every day. Please visit to learn more. About AEP Our team at American Electric Power (Nasdaq: AEP) is committed to improving our customers' lives with reliable, affordable power. We are investing $54 billion from 2025 through 2029 to enhance service for customers and support the growing energy needs of our communities. Our nearly 16,000 employees operate and maintain the nation's largest electric transmission system with 40,000 line miles, along with more than 225,000 miles of distribution lines to deliver energy to 5.6 million customers in 11 states. AEP also is one of the nation's largest electricity producers with approximately 29,000 megawatts of diverse generating capacity. We are focused on safety and operational excellence, creating value for our stakeholders and bringing opportunity to our service territory through economic development and community engagement. AEP participates in the competitive transmission space through Transource, a jointly owned transmission company with Evergy, Inc., headquartered in Kansas City, Missouri. About FirstEnergy FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE: FE) is dedicated to integrity, safety, reliability and operational excellence. Its electric distribution companies form one of the nation's largest investor-owned electric systems, serving more than six million customers in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, West Virginia, Maryland and New York. The company's transmission subsidiaries, which include FirstEnergy Transmission, LLC (FET), operate approximately 24,000 miles of transmission lines that connect the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic regions. Follow FirstEnergy online at and on X @FirstEnergyCorp. Jointly owned by FirstEnergy and Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners, FET is the equity investor in Valley Link Transmission, LLC. FET owns and operates American Transmission Systems Inc. (ATSI), Mid-Atlantic Interstate Transmission (MAIT) and Trans-Allegheny Interstate Transmission Line Inc. (TrAILCo.) News Category: Virginia & North Carolina Forward-Looking Statements This release contains certain forward-looking statements that are subject to a variety of factors that could cause actual events or results to differ from those included in these statements. These factors are identified in Dominion Energy's Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Dominion Energy refers readers to those discusses for further information. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and Dominion Energy undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date on which it is made. View source version on Contacts Dominion Energy: Jason Williams, 804-292-4929, FirstEnergy: Will Boye, 301-790-6420, wboye@ American Electric Power: Scott Blake, 614-716-1938, ssblake@ Investor contacts: Dominion Energy: David McFarland, 804-339-1173, FirstEnergy: Karen Sagot, 330-761-4286, ksagot@ American Electric Power: Darcy Reese, 614-716-2614, dlreese@ Sign in to access your portfolio
