Dominion Energy gas plant proposal advances in Virginia

The Cumberland County Planning Commission has recommended approval, in a 5-1 vote, for Dominion Energy’s proposed Cumberland Energy Center. The project involves constructing a dual-fuel combined-cycle power station on 150 acres in Cumberland County, Virginia. If completed, the facility is expected to generate nearly 3,000 megawatts of electricity, sufficient to power approximately 750,000 homes.

The recommendation moves the conditional use permit request to the Cumberland County Board of Supervisors for consideration. Beyond local zoning, the project requires approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission and an air permit from the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality. Dominion Energy anticipates the plant could begin operations by 2033 or 2034.

The proposal has sparked debate regarding economic impact and energy transition. Supporters highlight the need for reliability and infrastructure to support growing electricity demand, including potential data centers. Opponents have raised concerns regarding the long-term costs of fossil fuel investments, potential impacts on property values, and whether such infrastructure will remain viable as the economy shifts toward cleaner energy alternatives like solar and wind.