The Dominion Energy-backed legislation that overhauls how Virginia regulates its two large electric utilities — including more spending on energy efficiency, grid upgrades and renewable energy projects, though at the price of unfettered state oversight of base rates, opponents contend — could be headed to Gov. Ralph Northam’s desk by the end of next week after making big strides Monday.
The Senate version cleared the House of Delegates on a 65-30 vote, with three abstentions and two other delegates not voting. Voting against Senate Bill 966 were 12 Republicans and 18 Democrats, including some freshman lawmakers who had sworn off donations from Dominion, a political heavyweight that is Virginia’s top corporate donor to campaigns.
One of them, Del. Lee Carter, D-Prince William, called the utility overhaul “the definition of a Christmas tree” bill, with “all kinds of gifts” for various interests.
