News Roundup: Strides made in new Virginia renewable projects and backlash against Dominion
$2B solar farm-data center hybrid pitched for Chesterfield ‘megasite’
A site in Chesterfield County, which has been in dispute for over a year, is now being considered for a solar farm-data center hybrid facility. The site, deemed the Matoaca Mega Site, was initially slated for economic development into an industrial site, with no specific plan for who or what would inhabit it. The original goal was for some type of major assembly facility to be built. There was significant community opposition to rezoning the site in this way, which led to the withdrawal of the zoning application. The unanimous withdrawal of the zoning application by the Chesterfield Economic Development Authority has left the property unchanged and unused until recently. A Colorado-based renewable energy company, Torch Clean Energy, has submitted a bid for 1,500 of the 1,700 acres. The plan would be to build a data center in conjunction with a solar farm in order to supply its significant energy needs. Read the full story here.
SCC chides Dominion for lack of transparency in long-term plan, effect on ratepayers
The Virginia State Corporation Commission, the entity in charge of regulating Dominion, has been assessing Dominion’s long-term plan with more scrutiny. Last month, the SCC had a day-long hearing to assess transparency and impact of Dominion’s plan. They pointed out that there seems to be a discrepancy in the amount that Dominion has told its investors it plans to spend on new projects and the amount it has disclosed to regulatory entities. Dominion’s expenditures have a direct impact on a ratepayer’s bills. Read the full story here.
Costco, Walmart and other big retailers try to break Dominion Energy’s grip in Virginia
Costco is the latest of a number of large companies in Virginia to request the ability to purchase energy from a source other than Dominion. Other companies to do the same include Walmart, Kroger, Harris Teeter, and Cox Communications. The SCC makes these determinations and has consistently denied applications for more energy choices. Read the full story here.
Solar. Co-op. Here’s the deal
A solar co-op has formed in an area stretching from Virginia Beach to Williamsburg. The hope is to save money and encourage the development of more solar in the community. One of the co-op’s major projects will be the installation of EV chargers to help with the ease of owning an electric vehicle. Joining the co-op is free and will reduce the cost of installing solar panels or chargers based on a group rate. Anyone in the area interested in the co-op can learn more or join here. Read the full story here.