Dominion acquisition by NextEra could cost SC customers, groups warn

Dominion Energy South Carolina and Florida-based NextEra Energy have asked the South Carolina Public Service Commission to approve NextEra's purchase of Dominion. At $67 billion, it would be the largest utility acquisition in U.S. history and would create the country's biggest monopoly utility. Both companies say the deal serves the public interest, but consumer and environmental groups disagree.

Groups including the Southern Environmental Law Center, Coastal Conservation League, Vote Solar, and the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy warn the acquisition is tied to plans to profit from growing AI data center demand. They say Dominion is already planning to expand gas-fired power plants, and a larger, NextEra-controlled utility could push that further, adding pipelines and gas infrastructure that customers would ultimately pay for through their bills. This comes as several South Carolina counties have already paused data center proposals over similar concerns, and as Dominion customers face a recent rate increase.

Critics also point out that NextEra has sought some of the largest rate increases in U.S. history in Florida, and they argue South Carolina regulators should require clear proof the deal will keep rates affordable and protect service quality before approving it, rather than accepting it on the promise of future benefits.

For homeowners served by Dominion Energy in South Carolina, this matters because decisions made in this regulatory review could affect future electric rates and how much new gas infrastructure gets built and paid for through customer bills. The state commission has not yet ruled on the application.