Giving Virginians a Voice in a $67 Billion Utility Merger

A decision that could reshape Virginia’s energy system is moving quickly. The proposed $67 billion merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy is on track for a final decision by January 2027.  If approved, it would make NextEra the world’s largest regulated electric utility, with major implications for the communities these companies serve.

The Climate Equity Fund’s grantee partners are working to ensure the public has a meaningful voice in that decision. Their advocacy helped secure in-person public hearings across Virginia through the State Corporation Commission (SCC), citing both the scale of the proposed merger and the vigorous public engagement on the issue.

Responding to the need for language justice in the comment process, CASA’s Virginia State Director Luis Aguilar developed People’s Collective Input, an app tool that uses AI to translate public comments from 6 languages and helps residents submit them to the SCC for inclusion and consideration before the November 9 comment deadline. By reducing language barriers, the tool helps more people put their experiences and concerns on the record and participate in decisions that will affect their lives.

Community security was prioritized when developing this tool, ensuring data is not stored and that comments preserve the integrity of the record. No information is auto-filed and no audio or personal information are stored. Every comment is reviewed, edited, and filed by the person who recorded it.

As the merger review moves forward, this effort shows how community organizing and accessible tools can help broaden participation in decisions that shape Virginia’s energy future.