Virginia Panel Backs Dominion Energy Gas Plant, Raising Concerns About Long-Term Electric Bill Charges
The Cumberland County Planning Commission in Virginia has voted 5-1 to back Dominion Energy's proposal for the Cumberland Energy Center, a 3-gigawatt natural gas plant. This decision marks a significant step for the project, which, if approved by state regulators, could see its costs passed on to customers through their electric bills. Dominion Energy spokesperson Jeremy Slayton indicated that the plant is expected to begin operations in 2033 or 2034. As a regulated utility, Dominion typically places the costs of new generation assets into its rate base, meaning households would pay for the project through their monthly electricity bills. Before proceeding, the plan requires approval from the State Corporation Commission and an air permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. 
