An analysis filed Wednesday examining Dominion Energy’s long-range energy strategy indicates that maintaining two large coal-fired generating facilities beyond their planned retirement dates would result in excess electricity generation relative to projected demand. The assessment suggests this overcapacity could impose substantial financial costs on utility customers.
Under Dominion’s current plan, the Wateree plant is scheduled to retire in 2032, followed by the Williams facility in 2034. However, if operations continue beyond 2034, compliance with federal coal wastewater regulations known as Effluent Limitation Guidelines would require approximately $200 million in expenditures borne by ratepayers. The analysis notes that Dominion has previously extended the proposed closure timelines for these facilities.
According to the expert assessment, once the company’s Canadys gas plant becomes operational, the utility will possess sufficient generation capacity to retire both coal plants while preserving existing grid reliability standards. The analysis further indicates that even accounting for demand forecasts higher than Dominion’s current projections, adequate electricity supply would be maintained following coal plant retirements.
The assessment contends that Dominion’s energy plan does not fully account for the cumulative costs and operational risks associated with continuing to operate the two coal plants over the subsequent eight-year period. Sierra Club representatives have filed expert testimony supporting the analysis and advocating for accelerated coal plant retirements, citing potential benefits including reduced air pollution and lower costs for consumers facing affordability challenges.
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