Decision by State Corporation Commission (SCC) to grant Dominion Energy a certificate for the Chesterfield gas-fired peaker plant is a step backward
RICHMOND, VA – The State Corporation Commission has approved Dominion Energy’s proposed Chesterfield peaker plant without conditions, advancing a project that will increase long-term costs for Virginia customers despite readily available, lower-cost alternatives that strengthen grid reliability.
“Virginians need low-cost energy, but this approval allows Dominion to move forward with one of the most expensive options on the table,” said
Shawn Kelly, Regulatory Director at Advanced Energy United
. “Utilities across the country are using proven tools like battery storage, demand flexibility, and modern grid management to meet peak needs at lower cost. This approval embraces
none
of these lower cost options.”
The Chesterfield project requires major upfront capital investment and decades of fuel and maintenance spending. Analyses presented in the proceeding showed that advanced energy technologies—already being deployed at scale in other states—can deliver peak capacity more affordably, reduce exposure to price volatility, and make better use of existing grid infrastructure.
“Approving a high-cost resource without fully evaluating commercially available alternatives shifts unnecessary risk onto ratepayers,”
added
Kelly
.
“Virginia needs planning decisions that maximize existing grid capacity, accelerate lower-cost technologies, and keep customer bills in check.”
Advanced Energy United, the national business association representing many of the leading solar, wind, storage, demand and distributed energy companies,
called on the SCC
in expert testimony to reject plans to build the new, expensive gas plant.
Read More
Topics:
Utility,
Virginia,
Press Releases,
Shawn Kelly,
Integrated Resource Planning
The Center Square reports on the election outcomes in New Jersey and Virginia, where Mikie Sherrill and Abigail Spanberger won their gubernatorial races. United's Virginia Director Jim Purekal and New Jersey Policy Lead Katie Mettle highlighted the future governors' focus on lowering energy prices through clean energy as a key component of their victories.
Read More
Topics:
State Policy,
Virginia,
United In The News,
Heather O'Neill,
New Jersey,
Jim Purekal,
Solar,
Battery Storage,
Interconnection,
Katie Mettle
PV Magazine reports on the election results from Virginia and New Jersey, with a specific focus on unlocking new clean energy opportunities by making better use of existing interconnection capacity. United’s Virginia Director Jim Purekal emphasized that Virginia must make the most of existing energy resources to meet rising load growth, while United’s New Jersey Policy Lead Katie Mettle highlighted the need for siting and permitting reforms to get more projects online faster.
Read More
Topics:
State Policy,
Virginia,
United In The News,
New Jersey,
Jim Purekal,
Solar,
Battery Storage,
Interconnection,
Katie Mettle
Advanced Energy United congratulates the Governors-Elect of New Jersey and Virginia
WASHINGTON, DC – In a clear signal to policymakers nationwide, voters in Virginia and New Jersey have elected governors who ran on clean energy solutions to tackle rising costs and strengthen grid reliability. Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill both centered energy affordability, reliability, and readily available clean energy solutions in their campaigns, and won.
“The results of both Governors races reflect that leaders who embrace clean energy as a path to lower bills, reliable power, and economic growth are being rewarded at the ballot box,” said
Heather O’Neill, President and CEO at Advanced Energy United
, an industry association representing many of the leading solar, wind, storage, demand, and distributed energy companies. “These elections send a clear message to every statehouse in America: clean energy wins.”
Read More
Topics:
Virginia,
Press Releases,
New Jersey
In Virginia, it's more important than ever to quickly build and site new energy projects in the wake of H.R. 1, which could slow the pace of investment and development in critically needed initiatives. WHRO spoke with industry experts, including United’s Jim Purekal, who urged state leaders to keep costs low for ratepayers and highlighted solar as the most cost-effective form of energy generation available.
Read More
Topics:
Virginia,
United In The News,
Economic Impact,
Jim Purekal,
Solar
The Commission rejected Appalachian Power’s proposal, preserving Net Energy Metering for customer-owned solar
Read More
Topics:
Utility,
Regulatory,
Virginia,
Press Releases,
Shawn Kelly,
Solar
Virginia's State Corporation Commission conditionally approved Dominion Energy's proposed 15-year energy plan, but noted that it fails to address Virginia's statutory requirement for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. Canary Media spoke with United's Shawn Kelly, who stated that the proposal must support a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future by making use of proven advanced energy solutions, such as energy efficiency and battery storage.
Read More
Topics:
Virginia,
United In The News,
Shawn Kelly
The State Corporation Commission released its order on Dominion Energy’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
RICHMOND, VA — Today, the State Corporation Commission released its order on Dominion Energy’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), a long-term planning document that will guide billions in utility investments over the coming decades. The Commission found that the 2024 IRP is legally sufficient while noting that its order does not express approval of Dominion Energy’s future spending plans.
Read More
Topics:
Regulatory,
Virginia,
Press Releases,
Shawn Kelly
In an opinion piece for the Virginia Mercury, United's Jim Purekal underscores the importance of federal tax credits in modernizing Hampton Roads' energy systems, lowering electricity costs for residents, and bolstering energy security across the region. He calls on policymakers to safeguard these incentives going forward, which are essential to developing advanced energy projects and maintaining an affordable, reliable, and secure energy future for Virginians.
Read More
Topics:
Virginia,
United In The News,
Offshore Wind,
Jim Purekal
Celebrating the progress Virginia has made, and reaffirming our commitment to ensuring the full promise of the VCEA is realized in the years ahead
RICHMOND, VA – Today marks the five-year anniversary of the landmark Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), the historic legislation that set the Commonwealth on a path toward 100% clean energy.
“The VCEA was a turning point for Virginia’s economy,” said
Jim Purekal, Director at Advanced Energy United. “Five years ago, United helped rally a diverse coalition of energy innovators, business voices, and environmental advocates to support this legislation. Because everyone knew clean energy was the smartest investment the Commonwealth could make in its future. Today, we’re seeing the benefits: new jobs and new industries, all here in Virginia.”
Read More
Topics:
Virginia,
Press Releases,
Jim Purekal
