Dominion-NextEra merger timeline faces scrutiny in South Carolina – WRDW

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy plan to merge, but small business representatives and some Dominion shareholders are questioning the timeline for regulatory review in South Carolina.
Dominion serves more than 800,000 customers in South Carolina and millions more across other states. The companies announced plans to merge in May.
Earlier this month, the South Carolina Public Service Commission approved a procedural schedule for the merger. Public hearings are scheduled for Nov. 5, 12 and 17.
The South Carolina Department of Public Health and the South Carolina Immunization Coalition said vaccines remain one of the most effective tools to keep people out of the hospital.
The commission is scheduled to hear the case Dec. 8 and issue a final order Jan. 29. If the schedule stays on track, regulators could approve the merger in early 2027.
Some groups say the August-to-January timeline moves too fast and question whether regulators can secure the best deal for customers.
AARP of South Carolina and the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce share those concerns. Frank Knapp, president and CEO of the South Carolina Small Business Chamber of Commerce, said, “We think it’s too fast. We think there are a lot of questions, and we only get one shot at making the right decision here. So unfortunately, it’s on track to do a six-month hearing. Maybe the Public Service Commission could change their mind.”
Shareholders are scheduled to vote on the merger Sept. 3.
Doctors are warning about a dangerous “flesh-eating” bacteria now confirmed in Charleston Harbor, a spot many Augusta-area families visit for beach and boating trips.
Dominion is notifying residential customers that they will receive a $10 monthly credit for the first two years if the merger goes through. Natural gas customers will receive two separate, undisclosed credit calculations over the same period.
If approved, the companies say the merger would create the world’s largest regulated electric utility by market value.
Copyright 2026 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

source