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Power plays
Grid upgrades, renewable energy on horizon
Virginia’s largest electric utilities are deploying an array of technologies as they decarbonize, digitalize and decentralize their power grids to meet the state’s and their own clean energy goals. Richmond-based Dominion Energy Inc. and Charleston, West Virginia-headquartered Appalachian Power are expanding their solar, wind and battery storage portfolios while advancing a massive power grid transformation.
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Coal waste project launches in SW Va.
Evolve Central Appalachia is led by Virginia Tech center
Published
A public-private project to evaluate the critical minerals in coal waste products in Virginia, West Virginia and Kentucky launched Wednesday with a community meeting in the Virginia Highlands Small Business Incubator in Abingdon. The project, Evolve Central Appalachia (Evolve CAPP), is part of an almost $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Energy Department to the
Hubs and spokes
Deals focus on transport, manufacturing, supply chain
Published
Economic conditions bounced back across many sectors in 2021, but the COVID-19 pandemic still impacted development deals occurring in Virginia. The state saw a great deal of focus on manufacturing and supply chain growth, areas expected to stay busy despite the recent change in state political leadership. In Hampton Roads, many of the region’s major
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Dominion Energy to sell W.Va. utility for $690M
Ullico Inc. to integrate natural gas utility into infrastructure business
Published
Dominion Energy Inc. announced Friday it had signed a definitive agreement to sell its West Virginia natural gas utility to Washington, D.C.-based financial services company Ullico Inc.’s infrastructure business for $690 million. The sale of Hope Gas Inc., also known as Dominion Energy West Virginia (DEWV), is expected to close later this year. “For nearly
Youngkin announces secretary of administration pick
Margaret “Lyn” McDermid was CIO for Fed, Dominion
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Gov.-elect Glenn Youngkin has chosen former Federal Reserve System Chief Information Officer Margaret “Lyn” McDermid as the commonwealth’s secretary of administration. “Lyn will play a pivotal role in making Virginia’s government work for the people. Her vast experience will allow us to hit the ground running on Day One as we seek to revamp our
Dominion orders 176 turbines from Siemens Gamesa
14.7-MW turbines will be largest in the world
Published
Dominion Energy Inc. has ordered 176 offshore wind turbines from Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy S.A. for its 2.6-gigawatt, $9.8 billion Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project, the utility announced Monday. The Richmond-based Fortune 500 utility declined to release financial details of the contract. The SG 14-222 DD turbines — at more than 800 feet tall, the
Southwest Va. project will help manufacturers enter wind energy supply chain
InvestSWVA launches Project Veer to connect equipment manufacturers with partners
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Public-private campaign InvestSWVA announced Tuesday the launch of an economic development initiative designed to help Southwest Virginia manufacturers find entry points in the supply chain for wind energy equipment components. The initiative, called Project Veer, will connect Southwest Virginia manufacturers with industry experts, public sector partners, the Hampton Roads Alliance, Dominion Energy Inc., Appalachian Power
Dominion reports increases in diverse hiring over past 5 years
Utility aims for 40% women, people of color in workforce by 2026
Published
Dominion Energy Inc. released its first public diversity, equity and inclusion report on Friday, reporting increases in gender and racial diversity among employees hired between 2016 and 2020. With a goal of reaching 40% in diverse workforce representation — meaning hires of women and non-white people — by 2026, the Richmond-based utility giant, which employs
SCC approves Dominion settlement, refunding $330M to customers
9.35% rate of return set, along with $50M in annual rate reductions
Published
The State Corporation Commission approved a settlement with Dominion Energy Virginia in which the Richmond-based utility will refund customers $330 million and reduce rates annually by $50 million, the SCC announced Thursday. For a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month, the rate reduction will result in a decrease of about 90 cents per
Major companies pledge $1.5M for broadband expansion
Dominion Energy, Meta, Primis Bank and Cameron Foundation collectively pledge funding
Published
Dominion Energy Inc., Meta Platforms Inc. — formerly Facebook — Glen Allen-based Primis Bank and Petersburg-based The Cameron Foundation have collectively pledged more than $1.5 million to expand broadband access across Virginia, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Thursday. The funding will contribute to efforts to extend service to 233,000 Virginians who lack access to broadband. “These