Communities have a special voice in Next Era’s attempted takeover of Dominion Energy.
Let's use it!
STOP NEXT ERA POWER GRAB!
STOP NEXT ERA POWER GRAB!
The Background
This May, news broke that Next Era, an enormous Floridian energy corporation, had entered an agreement to acquire Dominion Energy — Virginia’s largest energy utility, serving the vast majority of the state — for $67 billion. In the states where it operates, Next Era has a history of raising electric rates by large margins, and has been credibly accused of serious election interference in Florida.
The Problem
Dominion is already finding loopholes to avoid meeting its legal obligations under Virginia’s Clean Economy Act. Allowing out-of-state private entity Next Era, with its deeper pockets and troubling track record, to become the largest regulated utility in the world has concerning implications both for state priorities — like affordability and employment — and for the future of the VCEA.
The Solution
The solution is actually quite simple: this takeover must be stopped! Virginians don’t want this acquisition to go ahead, and they have been showing up across the state to tell decision-makers to stand against this. The State Corporation Commission can reject Next Era’s application if it is not in the public interest; our task is to show up and tell the SCC why the sale must be rejected.
ADVOCACY OPPORTUNITIES
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Public witness testimony in person in the second-floor courtroom at the SCC, 1300 E. Main St, Richmond VA, from 2 to 5pm.
Anyone can give testimony, no sign-up is required, and you don't need to be an energy expert. Public testimony becomes part of the official record the SCC considers in this case.
RSVP HERE and our partners at the Stop Next Era Coalition will send you information to help you participate. If you want to join a car pool list from Charlottesville, please email policy@theclimatecollaborative.org.
Whether you plan to speak or just want to show up in opposition, come be counted!
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Commissioners should hear from the people who'd live with the outcome, not just the lawyers and lobbyists on the other side. Use the letter template or write your own and send to the SCC at this link. It takes two minutes!
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State legislators from across Virginia have already committed to opposing the takeover. Every lawmaker who hasn't committed needs to hear from their own constituents before then. Click here to send your State representative a message!
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Localities each have a unique stake in this case. Our local governments have a responsibility to listen and voice the priorities of the communities they represent. Click here to access a letter template to guide you in writing to your local city councilors or board of supervisors. Just remember: personal stories are the most powerful; make sure to add your own voice to this template!
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On Tuesday, Nov. 17, the SCC begins its evidentiary hearing on the deal. This is one last chance to stand up to NextEra. There’s no public comment at this hearing, so showing up is how we’re heard. A big crowd outside the SCC sends a clear message to the commissioners.
Schedule
9:00 a.m.: Rally outside the SCC, 1300 E. Main St.
10:00 a.m.: SCC hearing begins
11:15 a.m.: Rally at the Bell Tower
12:30 p.m.: Lunch and program at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Breakfast and lunch are provided. Coming from Roanoke, Danville, Fairfax or the Norfolk area? Choose your bus when you RSVP. Need a ride? Use our carpool sheet: https://groupcarpool.com/t/mqgrd5
Click below to get plugged into statewide efforts from our regional partners in the Stop Next Era Coalition
You already pay too much for power.
This merger could make it worse, permanently.
Local leaders stepping up!
Representatives from localities across Virginia sent a joint letter to Governor Spanberger asking for a special session to extend the deadline to intervene. While the Governor declined to call a special session, by September 11, seven localities had filed to intervene in the case — including Richmond and Charlottesville.
“What is the impact going to be for the entire grid?”
— Juandiego Wade, Mayor of Charlottesville, speaking to 29 News about Charlottesville’s intervention in the case. Watch the interview here!
Get involved!
Want to keep up to date with news on the acquisition, including local advocacy opportunities in the Charlottesville and Richmond areas? Fill out out the form below to be added to our email list.