Dominion Energy's solar fleet is ranked the sixth largest among owners of U.S. electric utilities, and according to the Solar Energy Industries Association, Virginia is sixth in climbing the state rankings for solar energy.
"It's not just about Dominion Energy meeting its clean energy goals, it's also about helping our customers achieve theirs," said Paul Koonce, president and CEO of Dominion Energy's Power Generation Group.
During construction in the two states, Dominion-developed projects have created 4,300 jobs. Once operational, the company predicts the projects will generate at least $39 million annually in local economic impact.
Looking forward, Dominion plans construction of another 300 MW of solar to support Facebook's eighth data center in the U.S., to be located in Henrico County. Virginia.
In North Carolina, there are 13 projects totaling 353 MW that Dominion Energy has brought or is bringing online by 2019. Additionally, there are 82 projects owned by third-party developers that are operating or being developed totaling 550 MW.
"More and more companies have set their own goals for renewable energy and we will back them," Koonce said.
Dominion Energy is seeking State Corporation Commission approval for a 100 percent renewable energy option for residential and small commercial and industrial customers, as well as an option for business customers to purchase renewable generation equal to a specific portion of their energy usage. In addition, if approved, the Community Solar Pilot Program will enable customers in Virginia to voluntarily purchase renewable energy from locally-sited solar installations to meet a portion of their needs.
