Is the IRP updated every year?

Yes, a fully litigated IRP proceeding takes place in even numbered years. A non-ligitated update is filed in odd numbered years.

Will there be anything filed with the 2024 IRP that captures public comments?

Yes, Dominion Energy will attach a report to the 2024 IRP which will reflect stakeholder comments.

Will there be other meetings?

Yes. Dominion Energy is hosting topic-specific workshops as part of the Stakeholder Process to discuss and receive feedback on potential modeling inputs and assumptions for this year’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). A meeting is expected to occur in late summer during Phase 4 of the Stakeholder Process where we will review the collective input and recommendations that will be used to develop the report that will be included in the IRP including information on the modeling. After the IRP is filed in October, we will host a meeting to provide an overview and answer questions.

Is Dominion Energy required to file Virginia and North Carolina's IRP together?

The IRP is required to be filed with the Virginia State Corporation Commission and the North Carolina Utilities Commission separately, but on the same date.

What are the factors that determine and/or affect affordability? How does Dominion Energy prevent commercial customers, like data centers, from negatively impacting affordability for residential customers? How does Dominion Energy classify affordability by rate class?

Many factors determine affordability. Our focus in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), considers factors such as costs associated with construction of facilities and operating costs. Cost allocation and/or cost causation topics are not part of the regulatory process associated with an IRP. These topics are part of rate cases, which are a separate regulatory proceeding.

How does Dominion Energy balance/optimize sustainability, reliability, resiliency, affordability and other requirements?

Dominion Energy’s core mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. These tenets are carefully balanced and optimized, along with over 160 regulatory and legislative requirements, when running and processing the model for the Integrated Resource Plan.

How can infrastructure be built to support all customers?

Dominion Energy has an obligation to serve all customers, and our infrastructure supports that obligation.

Will there be a scenario that puts more focus on energy independence?

As required by Virginia Code § 56-599, energy independence along with rate stability, economic development, and service reliability must be considered in every Integrated Resource Plan.

What does reliability and affordability mean to Dominion Energy and how does Dominion Energy consider them in the IRP? Does Dominion Energy define reliability and affordability as 24x7x365 year over the next 15 years in the IRP? Is there a threshold for outages per year? What is the planned Loss of Load?

Dominion Energy’s core mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. These tenets are carefully balanced and optimized, along with over 160 regulatory and legislative requirements, when running and processing the model for the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). At a high level, reliability and affordability mean providing power to all customers 24x7x365 as cost effectively as possible. More specially, the IRP plans to the reserve margin established by PJM which targets a “1-in-10 Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE)”. PJM plans to that reserve margin to avoid experiencing more than one event (like an outage) every 10 years. Additional information related to modeling can be found in the Phase Three Topic Specific Workshop 1 - Modeling found here: Dominion Energy IRP Stakeholder Meetings & Materials

Does reconductoring fit into the scope of IRP?

Yes, Dominion Energy will include reconductoring in this year’s Integrated Resource Plan.

Can Dominion Energy begin looking at changes for the 2026 IRP that require time to achieve?

Dominion Energy continually assesses ways to improve the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) document and process.

To what degree does Dominion Energy see cost allocation as part of the IRP?

Cost allocation and/or cost causation topics are not part of the regulatory process associated with an Integrated Resource Plan. These topics are part of rate cases, which are a separate regulatory proceeding.

How do we get to net-zero carbon faster than 20 years from now?

Dominion Energy’s core mission is to provide the reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy that powers our customers every day. These tenets are carefully balanced and optimized, along with over 160 regulatory and legislative requirements, when running and processing the model for the Integrated Resource Plan. Over the long term, achieving the clean energy goals of Virginia, North Carolina, and Dominion Energy will require supportive legislative and regulatory policies, technological advancements, grid modernization, and broader investments across the economy to achieve net-zero by 2045 or sooner.

How are electric service agreements made and in-service dates determined [for data centers]?

Electric Service Agreements (ESAs) are developed by Dominion Energy for use with all customers. The in-service dates for ESAs are based on customer request and the construction timeline.

How will the new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) transmission order impact the IRP?

Dominion Energy is still evaluating the FERC transmission orders 1920 and 1977 that were issued on May 13, 2024.

What number of shutoffs for nonpayment can happen within a given time period? Does the rate during that time period relate to how many customers can actually afford to pay their bill?

This information is not applicable to the scope of the Integrated Resource Plan.

Is Dominion Energy looking at making land available near generation facilities for direct connect? If so, how would ratepayers be impacted by that cost?

This information is not applicable to the scope of the Integrated Resource Plan.

Can Dominion Energy develop a transparent interconnection queue process?

Transmission planning is a public process lead by PJM through its Regional Transmission Expansion Planning (RTEP). This process identifies the needs of the grid up to 15 years into the future. Several committees support the process that includes transparency and stakeholder engagement. PJM’s Planning Committee reviews recommended planning strategies and policies, as well as planning and engineering designs. The Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee (TEAC) provides a forum for stakeholders and PJM staff to exchange ideas, discuss study assumptions and review results. Subregional RTEP committees address local planning concerns. PJM resources can be found through the following: PJM - Planning PJM - Transmission Expansion Advisory Committee PJM - Subregional RTEP Committee - Southern rtep-meeting-the-grids-future-needs.ashx (pjm.com) RTEP: Planning for Long-Term Transmission Needs (pjm.com) In addition, the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) has state regulatory authority over transmission facilities. Dominion Energy undertakes meaningful stakeholder involvement prior to submitting Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity applications to the SCC. Once an application is before the SCC, the review process also includes public participation.

Who will bear the cost for stranded generation and transmission if some of the new data centers shut down due to overbuilding or market changes?

This information is not applicable to the scope of the Integrated Resource Plan. This hypothetical scenario would be addressed in a cost allocation proceeding.

What changes have been made since the 2023 IRP filing regarding intervenor concerns? What does Dominion Energy plan to include in the 2024 IRP based on last year’s IRP litigated proceeding?

At this time, Dominion Energy has not made final decisions on all the topics identified in the 2023 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) proceeding. Some things we are considering incorporating, in no particular order are listed below. If an item is not listed, that does not mean we have ruled it out.We continue to evaluate and refine our capacity factor assumptions for onshore wind by following the Commission Staff’s recommendation in the 2023 IRP to use more regional data. We are expecting the capacity factor will be lower this year.Per the recommendations of the Commission Staff and the Hearing Examiner during the 2023 IRP case, we will utilize the PJM Effective Load Carrying Capacity (ELCC) study, published on April 24, 2024, for use in the 2024 IRP modeling for all applicable resources in the IRP modeling.In addition to utilizing the PJM ELCC study, per the recommendations of intervenors and the Hearing Examiner in the 2023 IRP case, we have commissioned a third-party transmission study which will inform the energy import limits used in modeling the 2024 IRP.We are currently evaluating the recently finalized federal environmental regulations and will incorporate compliance with those regulations into our modeling. Challenges on the rules from states, industry coalitions and other entities have been filed. We are currently proposing to look at plans that include the environmental regulations and plans that do not. Three of these environmental regulations were just finalized in April. They are complex and we are still evaluating the impacts. We have also not modeled these regulations before, and it will take some time to understand how the model will react with incorporating these rules.Based on stakeholder feedback, we are looking into providing a non-normal weather analysis in this year’s IRP.Based on stakeholder feedback, we are evaluating energy efficiency targets beyond 2025. The VCEA prescribes energy efficiency targets through 2025 and requires the VA State Corporation Commission to establish new targets for 2026 to 2028 but those have not yet been set by the Commission.

Which load forecast will Dominion Energy use?

As required by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Dominion Energy uses PJM’s most current load forecast for the DOM Zone.

How does the load letter schedule impact load forecast?

The load letter schedule does not impact the load forecast.

How does Dominion Energy determine what it submits to PJM for load forecasting? How does PJM consider the submissions from Dominion Energy?

Dominion Energy currently provides, on Dominion Energy’s and Old Dominion Electric Cooperative’s behalf, load adjustments to PJM for their consideration. These adjustments are limited to data centers. Dominion Energy’s methodology for coming up with their forecast is documented here: https://www.pjm.com/-/media/planning/res-adeq/load-forecast/dominion-documentation.ashx. In addition to this forecast, Dominion Energy also provides historical hourly data center sales to PJM. Within Dom Zone, PJM also receives data center forecast from the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative. PJM’s process for incorporating Dominion’s and Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative’s forecasts into their forecast is mentioned here: https://www.pjm.com/-/media/planning/res-adeq/load-forecast/load-forecast-supplement.ashx pp 22-24.

Will Dominion Energy use the latest forecast?

As required by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Dominion Energy uses PJM’s most current load forecast for the DOM Zone in its Integrated Resource Plan modeling.

How does population and business growth affect the expected energy demand and how does Dominion Energy plan to meet the growth?

As required by the Virginia State Corporation Commission, Dominion Energy uses PJM’s most current load forecast for the DOM Zone in its Integrated Resource Plan modeling. The Integrated Resource Plan presents a spectrum of plans and scenarios for meeting forecasted growth.

How is Dominion Energy preparing the grid to handle new electric vehicle chargers coming online?

Dominion Energy Virginia’s electric grid is already supporting near-future electric vehicle (EV) charging needs. We’re investing in our grid assets to build a foundation for even more EV chargers, as well as provide access to more clean power for charging. For more information see DominionEnergy.com/EV. Transportation Electrification Roadmap Dominion Energy Virginia does comprehensive planning for EV growth 1) as part of our integrated resource planning process; 2) as part of our grid transformation plan; and 3) as part of our engagement with the EV industry and with our customers. Dominion Energy Virginia also has an EV hosting capacity map, EV hosting capacity map.

Is Dominion Energy remaining with Fixed Resource Requirement (FRR)?

On May 2, 2024, Dominion Energy announced its intention to leave the Fixed Resource Requirement (FRR) alternative that allows load-serving entities in PJM to cover the capacity load in their service area, and return to PJM’s capacity market known as the Reliability Pricing Model (RPM), as of the 2025/26 base residual auction.

Is Dominion Energy considering an outside consultant for load forecast?

As required by Virginia State Corporation Commission Order, Dominion Energy must use the PJM load forecast and include sensitivities on a high and low load forecast.

What is the IRP modeling?

There are many inputs and constraints that must be included in the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) models in order to meet and comply with numerous legislative, regulatory, and operational requirements. IRP modeling informs how to meet customer needs on an hourly basis many years into the future. This year’s IRP will use a mix of different inputs. For example, the 2024 PJM Load Forecast, a third-party commodity and market forecast, new technology assumptions and existing generating unit assumptions will be included. In addition, the IRP stakeholder process is new this year, and Dominion Energy is carefully considering feedback and input received in the creation of its IRP modeling. Additional information can be found in the Phase Three Topic Specific Workshop 1 - Modeling found here: Dominion Energy IRP Stakeholder Meetings & Materials

How will comments be incorporated into the model?

Dominion Energy will review and consider all feedback gathered from the stakeholder process for possible inclusion in the IRP.

Will stakeholders, including intervenors, have access to the IRP modeling and technical assumptions and be able to view early model runs and provide input before the IRP is filed?

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Stakeholder Process is new this year, and Dominion Energy is carefully considering all feedback from last year's IRP and from stakeholder input gathered from the IRP Stakeholder Process. As part of the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Stakeholder Process, a meeting is expected to occur in late summer during Phase 4 of the Stakeholder Process where we will review the collective input and recommendations that will be used to develop the report that will be included in the IRP including information on the modeling. After the IRP is filed in October, we will host a meeting to provide an overview and answer questions.

When will modeling occur?

Modeling is planned to occur throughout the summer.

What is the flexibility of changing the modeling once we have begun?

There are some aspects of modeling that are easier to modify once modeling has started than others. For example, some sensitivities on alternative plans are a little easier to be added or modified after modeling has started. Alternatively, there are other aspects that we cannot change once we start modeling. An example of this is market assumptions and commodity forecasts which are commissioned from a third-party ahead of modeling. Once received and entered into the model, these inputs are final and cannot be changed.

What are the barriers to adopting certain technologies? How does the availability of technologies impact the model?

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) process is cyclical in nature; therefore, the IRP is considered a snapshot in time of current technologies, market information, and projections. Since the IRP is viewed in this context, the IRP considers the adoption of technologies (1) by modeling technologies for which there are reasonable assumptions and/or based on commercial availability in the short- or long-term or (2) by discussing emerging technologies for which there is limited available data.

How will Dominion Energy model various load forecast scenarios such as increases of 5% or 10%, or for extreme highs or lows, including data center forecasts? Can Dominion Energy model a high demand data center scenario?

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) will have various load forecast scenarios, including data centers. We are also considering a scenario that assumes non-normal weather. Additional information related to modeling can be found in the Phase Three Topic Specific Workshop 1 - Modeling found here: Dominion Energy IRP Stakeholder Meetings & Materials

How does Dominion Energy incorporate programs like energy efficiency into the modeling?

Projected savings from energy efficiency programs are incorporated into the Integrated Resource Plan modeling as an adjustment to the PJM load forecast. As required by our regulators, Dominion Energy also includes a discussion of all existing utility demand side management programs, measures, and rates.

Why are there build limits for resources in the IRP such as utility scale solar? Is there a potential to overbuild solar?

From an Integrated Resource Plan perspective, the model will select the most cost-effective generation option until load requirements are met. Build limits are placed on all resources. Without these guardrails, the model could choose to build more of a particular resource than is technically feasible in a given year.

Does Dominion Energy incorporate location-specific modeling into its IRP? How is Dominion Energy treating location specific demand differently than in the 2023 IRP?

The Integrated Resource Plan modeling is not location-specific and only accounts for generic resources to fulfill demand.

How does Dominion Energy allocate resources during transmission and generation constraints? What do the constraints look like from Dominion Energy’s perspective and what are the solutions?

From an Integrated Resource Plan perspective, the model will select the most cost-effective generation option until load requirements are met.

What does the generation and transmission portfolio look like with 10 gigawatt hours in central, southern, and northern Virginia?

The Integrated Resource Plan modeling is not location-specific and only accounts for generic resources to fulfill demand.

How does the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) implementation affect modeling?

The IRA includes tax credits for particular resource types, which are modeled in the Integrated Resource Plan, typically as a reduction in cost through either an investment tax credit or production tax credit.

How has legislation from 2023/2024 impacted the modeling? How will the IRP stakeholder process change the IRP?

Virginia and North Carolina legislation has not resulted in any significant impacts to the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) modeling, with the exception of the IRP stakeholder process, which is new this year. Dominion Energy is carefully considering feedback and input received during the Stakeholder Process in the creation of its IRP. The Legislation (Va. Code § 56-599 D) – As part of preparing any integrated resource plan pursuant to this section, each utility shall conduct outreach to engage the public in a stakeholder review process and provide opportunities for the public to contribute information, input, and ideas on the utility's integrated resource plan, including the plan's development methodology, modeling inputs, and assumptions, as well as the ability for the public to make relevant inquiries, to the utility when formulating its integrated resource plan. Each utility shall report its public outreach efforts to the Commission. The stakeholder review process shall include representatives from multiple interest groups, including residential and industrial classes of ratepayers. Each utility shall, at the time of the filing of its integrated resource plan, report on any stakeholder meetings that have occurred prior to the filing date.

What must be considered in IRP modeling?

There are many inputs and constraints that must be included in the models incorporated into the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) in order to meet the numerous legislative, regulatory, and operational requirements that we must comply with. For example, we must use the PJM load forecast as required by order from the VA State Corporation Commission. More information can be found at Virginia Code § 56-599 and the State Corporation Commission https://scc.virginia.gov/getattachment/2cd5741c-51d9-4003-b43f-85a6680a3608/irp.pdf , which list information that must be evaluated in IRPs. Additional information related to modeling can be found in the Phase Three Topic Specific Workshop 1 - Modeling found here: Dominion Energy IRP Stakeholder Meetings & Materials

Will there be an opportunity for dialogue on modeling inputs, assumptions once they have been determined?

Yes. Dominion Energy is hosting topic-specific workshops as part of the Stakeholder Process to discuss and receive feedback on potential modeling inputs and assumptions for this year’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). A meeting is expected to occur in late summer during Phase 4 of the Stakeholder Process where we will review the collective input and recommendations that will be used to develop the report that will be included in the IRP including information on the modeling. After the IRP is filed in October, we will host a meeting to provide an overview and answer questions.

Will Dominion Energy indicate how feedback from small group meetings is translated into inputs and assumptions and will feedback received during the Stakeholder Process be identified in the IRP? How will the Stakeholder Process change the IRP?

The Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) Stakeholder Process is new this year and Dominion Energy is carefully considering feedback and input received in the creation of its IRP. Dominion Energy plans to highlight the input received from stakeholders in the IRP. A meeting is expected to occur in late summer during Phase 4 of the Stakeholder Process where we will review the collective input and recommendations that will be used to develop the report that will be included in the IRP including information on the modeling. After the IRP is filed in October, we will host a meeting to provide an overview and answer questions.

Is Dominion Energy including a 25-year projection?

The Integrated Resource Plan is at least a 15 year forward looking reliability plan. The time horizon for this year’s plan is currently being evaluated.

Why were there no incremental energy efficiency targets past 2025 in the 2023 IRP filing?

Based on stakeholder feedback, Dominion Energy is evaluating energy efficiency targets beyond 2025. The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) prescribes energy efficiency targets through 2025, and requires the Virginia State Corporation Commission to establish new targets for 2026-2028, but those have not yet been set by the Commission.

How will SMRs impact the model, and what role can they play in meeting load demand? What role can SMRs play in the transition to clean energy? How do SMRs affect affordability? How do you balance all of the risks and requirements for SMRs?

Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) will be made available for the model to select as part of the Integrated Resource Plan modeling. SMRs are an around-the-clock reliable, carbon free energy source. They can play an increasingly important role in meeting load demand and Dominion Energy’s prioritization of reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy. Dominion Energy is evaluating technology readiness with considerations to design engineering, licensing and construction to ensure the deployment of SMRs can be accomplished with cost and schedule certainty.

How does geothermal affect the model?

Geothermal generation is currently not a resource type available for the model to select.

Is there a possibility for new nuclear reactor types at Surry Power Station to curtail demand?

Dominion Energy continues to evaluate Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs) and will include SMRs as a selectable resource in this year’s model. The IRP modeling is not location-specific and only accounts for generic resources to fulfill demand.

How should the permitting process be changed to make it more streamlined?

Efforts are under way at the federal level to streamline the regulatory process related to nuclear permitting.

Stakeholder Questions and Answers

Answers to stakeholder questions will be anonymized and added to the list below on an ongoing basis. If substantially similar questions are asked by more than one stakeholder, they will be combined into a single question/answer.

To submit a question use the feedback form here. Please check back soon for updates.

Is the IRP updated every year?
Will there be anything filed with the 2024 IRP that captures public comments?
Will there be other meetings?
Is Dominion Energy required to file Virginia and North Carolina's IRP together?
What are the factors that determine and/or affect affordability? How does Dominion Energy prevent commercial customers, like data centers, from negatively impacting affordability for residential customers? How does Dominion Energy classify affordability by rate class?
How does Dominion Energy balance/optimize sustainability, reliability, resiliency, affordability and other requirements?
How can infrastructure be built to support all customers?
Will there be a scenario that puts more focus on energy independence?
What does reliability and affordability mean to Dominion Energy and how does Dominion Energy consider them in the IRP? Does Dominion Energy define reliability and affordability as 24x7x365 year over the next 15 years in the IRP? Is there a threshold for outages per year? What is the planned Loss of Load?
Does reconductoring fit into the scope of IRP?
Can Dominion Energy begin looking at changes for the 2026 IRP that require time to achieve?
To what degree does Dominion Energy see cost allocation as part of the IRP?
How do we get to net-zero carbon faster than 20 years from now?
How are electric service agreements made and in-service dates determined [for data centers]?
How will the new Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) transmission order impact the IRP?
What number of shutoffs for nonpayment can happen within a given time period? Does the rate during that time period relate to how many customers can actually afford to pay their bill?
Is Dominion Energy looking at making land available near generation facilities for direct connect? If so, how would ratepayers be impacted by that cost?
Can Dominion Energy develop a transparent interconnection queue process?
Who will bear the cost for stranded generation and transmission if some of the new data centers shut down due to overbuilding or market changes?
What changes have been made since the 2023 IRP filing regarding intervenor concerns? What does Dominion Energy plan to include in the 2024 IRP based on last year’s IRP litigated proceeding?
Which load forecast will Dominion Energy use?
How does the load letter schedule impact load forecast?
How does Dominion Energy determine what it submits to PJM for load forecasting? How does PJM consider the submissions from Dominion Energy?
Will Dominion Energy use the latest forecast?
How does population and business growth affect the expected energy demand and how does Dominion Energy plan to meet the growth?
How is Dominion Energy preparing the grid to handle new electric vehicle chargers coming online?
Is Dominion Energy remaining with Fixed Resource Requirement (FRR)?
Is Dominion Energy considering an outside consultant for load forecast?
What is the IRP modeling?
How will comments be incorporated into the model?
Will stakeholders, including intervenors, have access to the IRP modeling and technical assumptions and be able to view early model runs and provide input before the IRP is filed?
When will modeling occur?
What is the flexibility of changing the modeling once we have begun?
What are the barriers to adopting certain technologies? How does the availability of technologies impact the model?
How will Dominion Energy model various load forecast scenarios such as increases of 5% or 10%, or for extreme highs or lows, including data center forecasts? Can Dominion Energy model a high demand data center scenario?
How does Dominion Energy incorporate programs like energy efficiency into the modeling?
Why are there build limits for resources in the IRP such as utility scale solar? Is there a potential to overbuild solar?
Does Dominion Energy incorporate location-specific modeling into its IRP? How is Dominion Energy treating location specific demand differently than in the 2023 IRP?
How does Dominion Energy allocate resources during transmission and generation constraints? What do the constraints look like from Dominion Energy’s perspective and what are the solutions?
What does the generation and transmission portfolio look like with 10 gigawatt hours in central, southern, and northern Virginia?
How does the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) implementation affect modeling?
How has legislation from 2023/2024 impacted the modeling? How will the IRP stakeholder process change the IRP?
What must be considered in IRP modeling?
Will there be an opportunity for dialogue on modeling inputs, assumptions once they have been determined?
Will Dominion Energy indicate how feedback from small group meetings is translated into inputs and assumptions and will feedback received during the Stakeholder Process be identified in the IRP? How will the Stakeholder Process change the IRP?
Is Dominion Energy including a 25-year projection?
Why were there no incremental energy efficiency targets past 2025 in the 2023 IRP filing?
How will SMRs impact the model, and what role can they play in meeting load demand? What role can SMRs play in the transition to clean energy? How do SMRs affect affordability? How do you balance all of the risks and requirements for SMRs?
How does geothermal affect the model?
Is there a possibility for new nuclear reactor types at Surry Power Station to curtail demand?
How should the permitting process be changed to make it more streamlined?
How will Dominion Energy consider hydrogen and SMRs in the IRP? How does replacing natural gas with hydrogen impact the IRP?

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