NextEra Energy's proposed $67bn takeover of Dominion faces fierce political opposition in Virginia. Senior state officials question whether the merger between the US's largest utility and Dominion, the power company at the heart of Virginia's data centre alley, will benefit ratepayers as energy bills rise rapidly. Independent judges at Virginia's utility regulator will ultimately decide the deal.
Governor Abigail Spanberger said she is "deeply sceptical" of the proposal and has intervened in the takeover process. Her office has considered measures to rein in Dominion's political spending. The company contributed $3.67mn in campaign donations between May 26 and August 31, more than triple the amount in previous reporting periods.
Other Virginia officials, including attorney-general Jay Jones, lieutenant-governor Ghazala Hashmi, at least eight lawmakers and Congress member Eugene Vindman, have opposed the deal. A group of congressional Democrats led by Massachusetts senator Elizabeth Warren warned federal regulators the deal could "squash competition and raise prices."
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