Stop NextEra Coalition Applauds Lt. Gov. Hashmi’s Opposition to $67 Billion Dominion-NextEra Merger

Richmond, Virginia—The Stop NextEra coalition today applauded Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi’s announcement that she opposes NextEra Energy’s proposed $67 billion acquisition of Dominion Energy. After months of studying the proposal and traveling across Virginia to hear directly from residents about rising energy costs, Lt. Gov. Hashmi concluded that the merger is not in the best interest of people in our community.

"Lieutenant Governor Hashmi went out and listened to Virginians, and what she heard is what we've been hearing for months: people are worried about their bills, and they don't see why a Florida company should get to buy their utility. We're glad she's standing with us. Every elected official who's been waiting to see which way this goes should take note," said Melissa Thomas, Co-Director of the Stop NextEra Coalition.

Hashmi’s opposition adds to growing scrutiny of the proposed takeover as the SCC prepares for its evidentiary hearing beginning November 17. Fourteen Virginia legislators have signed on as Ratepayer Champions opposing the merger, and an SCC hearing examiner recently ordered NextEra to produce the so-called “Robo Memo” and related records concerning allegations involving the political activities of its Florida utility.

Background

NextEra Energy is seeking approval to acquire Dominion Energy in a $67 billion transaction that would create the largest utility company in the world. The State Corporation Commission is currently reviewing the proposed acquisition and will determine whether the transaction should be approved.

The Stop NextEra coalition is a statewide coalition of Virginians and organizations working to ensure that the proposed NextEra-Dominion acquisition receives meaningful public scrutiny and that Virginia’s energy future puts families, communities, affordability, accountability, and a clean energy transition first. Learn more at StopNextEra.com.