Regulator recommends approval of Dominion's renewable rate scheme, with conditions

A utility regulator is recommending that the State Corporation Commission approve a proposal by Dominion Energy to offer a renewable energy package opposed by a host of environmental and business groups — but only if Dominion can sign up at least 15,000 customers in six months.

The report released Tuesday is only a recommendation by Hearing Examiner Mary Beth Adams, but it provides an indication of how the commission, which has decision-making power, may approach the case’s key points.

The “green tariff” proposal has sparked broad interest since Dominion filed its application with the SCC last May for two key reasons: the energy portfolio it relies on includes power from a plant fired largely with coal, and if approved, the program could curtail further development of Virginia’s fledgling renewables market.

Under a 2009 change to Virginia law, the proportion of energy produced at a co-fired electric power plant due to the burning of biomass was legally defined as “renewable energy,” even if the plant otherwise relied on fossil fuels.

Read more: https://www.virginiamercury.com/2020/04/24/regulator-recommends-approval-of-dominions-renewable-rate-scheme-with-conditions/