Dominion Energy Virginia gets approval for multiple solar projects

Dominion Energy Virginia got the okay for more than a dozen new solar projects from the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).

The projects will generate a total of 764 megawatts (MW) of electricity, enough to power nearly 200,000 homes at peak output. This includes four solar projects totaling 329 MW that will be owned or acquired by Dominion Energy Virginia, along with 13 power-purchase agreements (PPAs) totaling 435 MW with independently owned solar projects.

“These projects deliver on our promise of reliable, affordable and increasingly clean energy for our customers,” Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia, said. “Through our investments in offshore wind, battery storage and solar, Virginia continues to make progress on its clean energy transition.”

This marks a significant expansion of Dominion Energy’s growing solar fleet, which is currently the second largest in the nation. When these projects are up and running, the company will surpass 4,600 MW of approved solar projects in Virginia. This is enough to power more than 1.1 million homes at peak output.

Further, the projects will support more than 1,600 construction jobs and generate more than $570 million in economic benefits across Virginia.

The four projects that Dominion Energy Virginia will own include 57 MW Beldale Solar in Powhatan County; 95 MW Blue Ridge Solar in Pittsylvania County; 127 MW Bookers Mill Solar in Richmond County; and 50 MW Michaux Solar in Henry and Pittsylvania Counties

The projects are expected to be completed by 2026.

The projects will add an estimated $1.54 to the average residential customer’s monthly bill. Dominion Energy Virginia’s rates are currently 12 percent below the national average and 31 percent below the Mid-Atlantic average.