SCC News

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) will hold a hearing in Loudoun County in January to receive public testimony on a request by the owners of the Dulles Greenway to increase the maximum level of tolls over a five-year period.

TRIP II has filed a request with the SCC to increase its maximum tolls for most drivers to $8.10 during peak hours, up from the current $5.80, and $6.40 during off-peak hours, up from $5.25. The company also has asked that the Commission authorize a streamlined process to consider and approve future increases.

A public hearing is scheduled in Chantilly, Virginia, on January 9, 2024, from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. at Freedom-South Riding High School auditorium, 25450 Riding Center Drive. Persons intending to testify as a public witness should arrive at least 15 minutes prior to the meeting and register with the Commission’s bailiff. Witness statements will be limited to five minutes apiece.

The hearing will resume in Richmond on January 30, 2024, at 10 a.m. in the SCC’s courtroom on the second floor of the Tyler Building, 1300 East Main Street. Public witnesses intending to provide testimony at the January 30 hearing must pre-register with the SCC by 5 p.m. on January 24, 2024. Registered witnesses will submit their live testimony by telephone. The January 30 hearing will be webcast at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

For those who prefer, there is also an opportunity to provide comments in writing on the toll request. Written comments may be submitted through the SCC’s website by January 10, 2024, at scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Simply go to the SCC website, select “Cases” and then “Submit Public Comments,” and scroll down to case number PUR-2023-00089. Then select SUBMIT COMMENTS.

Comments can also be submitted by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments must refer to case number PUR-2023-00089.

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2023-00089 – Application of Toll Road Investors Partnership II for authorization for an increase in the maximum level of tolls on Dulles Greenway

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved Dominion Energy Virginia’s request to securitize approximately $1.3 billion of unrecovered fuel costs. 

The unrecovered fuel costs accrued from higher-than-expected fuel and purchased power costs between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2023. The proposal is expected to allow customers to pay off these unrecovered costs over approximately 7.25 years rather than over as little as 19 months. 

Dominion estimated that, as approved, customers would pay approximately $3.10 per month over 7.25 years rather than up to $14.72 per month under the traditional methodology. Final terms will not be known until the bonds are marketed and priced and are subject to change. 

The request was approved under a new statutory financing vehicle created by the 2023 General Assembly. The new statute allows Dominion, with Commission approval, to use a special-purpose entity to issue securitized bonds to finance certain unrecovered fuel costs. The proceeds from the bond issuance will be used to satisfy the unrecovered balance. The bondholders are paid through customer charges on the electric bill over the term of the securitization period. 

The Commission required that the bond issuance, once final terms are known, must provide both customer bill reductions and a net present value to customers compared to other recovery options. 

The Commission previously permitted Dominion to suspend collection of the unrecovered fuel costs on an interim basis beginning July 1, 2023, subject to the Commission’s consideration of the securitization request. Customer charges for securitization are expected to begin in Spring 2024. 

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2023-00112 – Petition of Dominion Energy Virginia for a financing order authorizing the issuance of deferred fuel cost bonds

RICHMOND — The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is offering time for members of the public to provide comments on an application by Appalachian Power Company to decrease its fuel factor for usage on and after November 1, 2023.

Appalachian Power’s application requests approval to recover the company's estimated Virginia jurisdictional fuel expenses of approximately $433,839,311 for the November 1, 2023, through October 31, 2024, fuel year, and its projected October 31, 2023, unrecovered fuel deferral balance of $273,125,395, subject to a mitigation proposal which would spread recovery of the unrecovered fuel deferral balance over two years.

For a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the average weighted monthly bill would decrease by $1.80, from $161.77 to $159.97, under the company’s proposal. The Commission has permitted the company to place the proposal into effect on an interim basis, subject to further modification, effective November 1, 2023.

The SCC has scheduled a public witness session to begin at 10 a.m. on January 17, 2024. Public witnesses intending to provide oral testimony must pre-register with the SCC by 5 p.m. on January 10, 2024. The hearing will be webcast at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

Public witnesses wishing to provide oral testimony may preregister in one of three ways:

• Completing a public witness form for case number PUR-2023-00156 on the SCC’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.
• Emailing the same form (PDF version on the same website as above) to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov.
• Calling the SCC at 804-371-9141 during normal business hours (8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and providing your name and the phone number you wish the Commission to call to reach you during the hearing.

A public evidentiary hearing will follow the public witness hearing at 10 a.m. on January 17, 2024, in the SCC’s second-floor courtroom at 1300 East Main Street in Richmond to receive testimony and evidence from the company, any respondents and the SCC staff.

For those who prefer, there is also an opportunity to provide comments in writing on the Appalachian Power application. Written comments may be submitted through the SCC’s website by January 10, 2024, at scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Simply go to the SCC website, select "Cases" and then "Submit Public Comments," and scroll down to case number PUR-2023-00156. Then click SUBMIT COMMENTS.

Comments can also be submitted by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments must refer to case number PUR-2023-00156.

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2023-00156 – Appalachian Power Company application to decrease its fuel factor

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved Dominion Energy Virginia’s Phase III of its plan for electric distribution grid-transformation projects that the company seeks to deploy in 2024-2026, while reducing from $508.3 million to $182.7 million the amount allowable for Dominion to spend on strengthening mainfeeder lines.  

In addition to approving the continuation of several programs – including deployment of advanced metering infrastructure; a customer information platform; targeted corridor improvement; voltage optimization enablement; and telecommunications and physical security enhancements – the Commission approved an expanded mainfeeder hardening pilot, consisting of 44 mainfeeders.

The Commission also approved two new programs: an outage management system and a non-wires alternative pilot. The non-wires alternative pilot consists of up to five front-of-the-meter battery energy storage systems to be installed over five years.

In total, the Commission approved $824.1 million in capital investments through 2026 to improve the safety and security of Dominion’s electric distribution system and $58.6 million in operations and maintenance.  

In approving the hardening of 44 mainfeeders, the Commission noted that Dominion’s initial request to harden 111 mainfeeders would have cost $1.3 billion over the life of the investments when including financing costs. “Simply put, the Company has not sustained its burden of proving these costs are reasonable and prudent,” the Commission wrote.

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2023-00051 – Petition of Dominion Energy Virginia for approval of a plan for electric distribution grid transformation projects

RICHMOND – Every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train, according to Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rail safety education.

During Rail Safety Week – September 18-24, 2023 – the State Corporation Commission (SCC) joins OLI, state Operation Lifesaver programs, and other rail safety partners throughout North America to raise awareness about the need for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists and others to stay safe around railroad tracks and crossings.

Lauren Govoni, director of the SCC’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety, and Virginia Operation Lifesaver Coordinator Tracey Lamb encourage Virginians to stay alert, use caution and obey signals around railroad tracks, and to always expect a train. “Rail safety is much more than just a single tip or slogan,” Govoni said. “It’s a set of guidelines for different groups of people, including children, first responders, media professionals, photographers, personal and professional drivers, and more.”

As part of this annual nationwide campaign, the SCC will partner with law enforcement and organizations throughout the state to promote daily Rail Safety Week themes that include commuter and transit safety, crossing safety and professional drivers, trespass prevention, and photographer safety. It will also share potentially life-saving information on its website and social media pages.

While the 82% decrease in collisions nationwide at highway-rail grade crossings during the past 50 years is encouraging, “there is still more rail safety awareness work to do,” Lamb said. “Trains can take a mile or more to come to a complete stop. If your vehicle ever stalls on the track, immediately exit your vehicle and call the phone number on the blue Emergency Notification System sign located at the crossing or 9-1-1,” she said. Virginia Operation Lifesaver is administered by the SCC’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety, which offers education sessions and can be reached at 804-371-1588. To learn more about railroad safety and railroad regulation in Virginia, visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Railroad-Regulation or oli.org.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week is September 11-15, 2023, and the State Corporation Commission (SCC) is bringing attention to an important communications resource for low-income Virginians. The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on qualifying voice and broadband services for eligible subscribers.

Internet access has increasingly become a necessity for Virginians to stay digitally connected. You could be eligible for the Lifeline benefit if your income falls below a certain level – at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines – or if you participate in one of the following federal assistance programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Companies participating in the Lifeline program can help with enrollment. You can also use the National Verifier to check your eligibility and sign up for the Lifeline benefit. Since not all companies are required to offer Lifeline service, it’s a good idea to contact area providers to see if they participate.

To learn more about the Lifeline program and the National Verifier, and to see if you are eligible, call 1-800-234-9473 or email lifelinesupport@usac.org or visit www.lifelinesupport.org or the FCC website at www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers. You may also contact USAC at LifelineProgram@usac.org.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) approved the 2023 Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) development plan for Appalachian Power Company for new solar and onshore wind generation capacity. The company is required to submit an annual plan to the SCC to comply with the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA).

The SCC found that Appalachian Power’s plan is reasonable and prudent giving due consideration to the statutory factors contained in the VCEA.

The Commission approved six new power purchase agreements (“PPAs”) totaling 184 megawatts, one renegotiated PPA totaling 20 megawatts and acquisition of an out-of-state wind facility totaling up to 146.2 megawatts.

The Commission denied the company’s request for cost recovery associated with a legacy wind contract, finding the economic analysis did not show positive value for customers.

The SCC also approved a revenue requirement of $16,373,821 for the recovery of VCEA-related resources for the rate year of October 2023 through September 2024.

In its final order, the Commission stated, “The Commission … is guided in these matters by the statutes and the record. The Commission has continued to exercise its delegated discretion in a manner that faithfully implements the VCEA’s carbon-reduction requirements, while best protecting consumers who expect and deserve reliable and affordable service.”

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2023-00001 - Petition of Appalachian Power Company for approval of 2023 RPS Plan and related requests
View Final Order

RICHMOND – August 11 is 811 Day, a day in the Commonwealth recognized by Virginians of the importance of always contacting Virginia 811 before you dig. Virginia 811 is the one-call notification center created by Virginia’s utilities to protect their underground facilities from damage, prevent the interruption of service to customers, and to avert mishap or injury to people or property while digging.

Contacting Virginia 811 and having your underground utilities located and marked is a free and simple process. If you will be excavating at a single address, go online at www.va811.com to enter your request for the marking of utility lines. This online service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You may also call 8-1-1 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state and national holidays. Emergency notification service is available 24/7, 365 days a year as well. Know What’s Below, contact Virginia 811 before you dig and Dig with C.A.R.E!

C.A.R.E. means:

• Contact Virginia 811 before you dig.
• Allow the required time for marking.
• Respect and protect the marks.
• Excavate carefully.

Taking the important first step and contacting Virginia 811 before you dig goes a long way in helping keep Virginia’s underground utility infrastructure damage-free, and our communities, business districts and environment are also kept safe in the process.

To learn more about “Digging with C.A.R.E.” and Virginia’s underground utility damage prevention program, contact the State Corporation Commission’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety at 804-371-9980 or visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Utility-Railroad-Safety.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has scheduled hearings on the application from Toll Road Investors Partnership II L.P. (TRIP II), the owner and operator of the Dulles Greenway in Loudoun County, for an increase in its tolls.

TRIP II has filed a request with the SCC to increase its maximum tolls for most drivers to $8.10 during peak hours, up from the current $5.80, and $6.40 during off-peak hours, up from $5.25. The company also has asked that the Commission authorize a streamlined process to consider and approve future increases.

The SCC has scheduled a public witness session to begin at 10 a.m. on January 30, 2024. Public witnesses intending to provide testimony on the application of TRIP II must pre-register with the SCC by 5 p.m. on January 24, 2024. Registered witnesses will submit their live testimony by telephone. The hearing will be webcast at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

Public witnesses wishing to provide oral testimony may pre-register in one of three ways:

• Completing a public witness form for case number PUR-2023-00089 on the SCC’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting
• E-mailing the same form (PDF version on the same website as above) to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov
• Calling the SCC at 804-371-9141 during normal business hours (8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and providing your name and the phone number you wish the Commission to call to reach you during the hearing
• To promote fairness for all public witnesses, each witness will be allotted five minutes to provide testimony.

A public evidentiary hearing will be held at 10 a.m. on January 31, 2024, in the Commission's second floor courtroom, located at 1300 East Main Street, to receive testimony and evidence from the company, any respondents and the SCC staff.

For those who prefer, there is an opportunity to provide comments in writing on the Greenway toll application. Written comments may be submitted through the SCC’s website by January 24, 2024, at scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Simply go to the SCC website, select "Cases" and then "Submit Public Comments," and scroll down to case number PUR-2023-00089. Then click SUBMIT COMMENTS.

Comments can also be submitted by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments must refer to case number PUR-2023-00089.

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2023-00089 – Application of Toll Road Investors Partnership II for authorization for an increase in the maximum level of tolls on Dulles Greenway
 

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is offering time for members of the public to give oral comments by telephone on Dominion Energy Virginia’s 2023 Biennial Review of Rates. In the review, the SCC will analyze the company’s base rates which account for approximately half of a customer’s monthly bill as well as the terms and conditions for the provision of generation, distribution and transmission services.

In its application, Dominion is not proposing any increase or decrease in total base rates for the upcoming rate periods.  The company is, among other things, proposing to revise its advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) or smart meter opt-out policy.

Under Dominion’s current opt-out policy, qualifying residential customers can opt out of smart meter installation upon request at no expense. Under the revised policy, customers requesting to opt out of AMI installation will be charged a monthly fee of $10.35 to recover labor and administrative costs associated with the monthly meter reading.

Additionally, Dominion seeks approval to increase the basic monthly customer charge for residential customers receiving service under Schedule 1.  The company proposed to increase the basic charge from $7.58 to $9.05, effective January 1, 2025. 

The SCC has scheduled a public witness session to begin at 10 a.m. on November 20, 2023. Public witnesses intending to provide oral testimony must pre-register with the SCC by 5 p.m. on November 15, 2023. The hearing will be webcast at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.

Public witnesses wishing to provide oral testimony may pre-register in one of three ways:

• Completing a public witness form for case number PUR-2023-00101 on the SCC’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting
• E-mailing the same form (PDF version on the same website as above) to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov
• Calling the SCC at 804-371-9141 during normal business hours (8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and providing your name and the phone number you wish the Commission to call to reach you during the hearing
• To promote fairness for all public witnesses, each witness will be allotted five minutes to provide testimony.

A public evidentiary hearing will follow the public witness hearing at 10 a.m. on November 28, 2023, in the SCC’s second floor courtroom at 1300 East Main Street in Richmond to receive testimony and evidence from the company, any respondents and the SCC staff.

For those who prefer, there is also an opportunity to provide comments in writing on the Dominion application. Written comments may be submitted through the SCC’s website by November 20, 2023, at scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Simply go to the SCC website, select "Cases" and then "Submit Public Comments," and scroll down to case number PUR-2023-00101. Then click SUBMIT COMMENTS.

Comments can also be submitted by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments must refer to case number PUR-2023-00101.

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2023-00101 – Dominion Energy Virginia’s 2023 biennial review of rates, terms and conditions for the provision of generation, distribution, and transmission services