Dive Brief:
- Dominion Energy has issued a request for information (RFI) to identify renewable generation purchase options it would use to serve large commercial customers.
- The utility says it prefers the projects be located in Virginia, but would consider resources anywhere in the PJM footprint.
- The clean energy resources would support the utility's proposed Continuous Renewable Generation Rate Schedules, which allow non-residential customers with peak measured demand of at least 1,000 kW to purchase all carbon-free generation.
Dive Insight:
Dominion is moving ahead with development of a clean-energy option for large customers, as it seeks more renewables on its system. In Virginia, the utility wants to reach 15% renewable energy by 2025; in North Carolina, the utility is targeting 12.5% by 2021.
The targets would put Dominion on track to meet the requirements of North Carolina's renewable portfolio standard and Virginia's voluntary RPS.
Dominion is using existing renewable resources, new build, and the purchase of renewable energy certificates, to meet those goals.
"In recent years, large energy users have become increasingly interested in renewable energy," said Katheryn Curtis, senior vice president of generation for Dominion Energy. "Similar to Dominion Energy, many of the company's largest users have set their own goals for vastly increasing their support of renewable energy."
The utility specified that it prefers locating renewable energy resources within Virginia, but said projects located anywhere in the PJM footprint will be considered.
Dominion proposed the 100% green energy offering last month. Some clean energy advocates, however, are wary of the utility's motives. The rate proposal refers to state law that would bar retail providers from offering similar energy mixes. Supporters of retail choice say the new offering is a way for Dominion to shut out competition.
