Category: The Center Square

(The Center Square) – Richmond could spend more than it brings in for three straight years, according to a new forecast of the city’s finances. The outlook projects a $17.3 million general fund shortfall in fiscal 2028, which begins July 1. The gap would be $16.2 million the following year and $19.4 million in fiscal…

(The Center Square) – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission on Thursday officially designated Google Energy as a Category 2 seller of wholesale electricity in the PJM power market, marking the tech giant’s transition from energy buyer to potential seller as the company’s total power generation capacity exceeded 500 megawatts. Google, to meet the huge energy…

(The Center Square) – Virginia regulators are being urged to reject NextEra Energy’s proposed acquisition of Dominion Energy over concerns about long-term electric bills and customer protections. Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi announced her opposition and released a report documenting five public listening sessions held across the commonwealth in September. Hashmi said the companies have not…

(The Center Square) – Virginia Republicans renewed their call for a 90-day suspension of gasoline and diesel taxes, asking Gov. Abigail Spanberger to bring lawmakers back for a special session. Lawmakers outlined the request Tuesday at Owens Market Deli and Truck Plaza in Forest, saying the temporary break would reduce fuel costs for drivers, farmers…

(The Center Square) – Virginia lawmakers questioned Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy executives Tuesday about employee protections, financial safeguards and clean energy requirements under the proposed acquisition. Dominion Energy Virginia President Ed Baine and NextEra Vice Chairman Armando Pimentel briefed the Energy Commission of Virginia. Members also asked about records involving alleged political misconduct in…

(The Center Square) – Henrico County police plan to end their license plate camera contract with Flock Safety over concerns about residents’ privacy. The county announced Tuesday that police intend to cut ties with the company within seven days. Officials will review other options to maintain police operations. The county does not anticipate any cost…

(The Center Square) – A proposal to add energy requirements to Virginia’s school construction sales tax provisions drew questions Monday about upfront costs and potential savings for taxpayers. Energy Commission of Virginia staff presented the recommendation to a commission subcommittee reviewing energy use and backup power in public schools. Staff recommended incorporating on-site renewable energy…

(The Center Square) – NextEra Energy must provide records about accusations of political misconduct in Florida by Thursday as Virginia regulators review its proposed acquisition of Dominion Energy. The State Corporation Commission’s chief hearing examiner also ordered a clearer answer about whether generation costs incurred to serve large-load customers could shift to customers who remain…

(The Center Square) – Physicians urged Virginia voters Friday to reject a proposed reproductive freedom amendment, arguing it could weaken medical oversight and parental consent requirements. Virginia Medical Professionals for Women’s Safety held the Richmond press conference to oppose Question 1 on the Nov. 3 ballot. Dr. Christina Francis, an OB-GYN and CEO of the…

(The Center Square) – Virginia families could receive scholarships for tuition, tutoring and other education expenses through a new federal tax credit program in 2027, provided the commonwealth completes the participation requirements. The Treasury Department and IRS released proposed regulations and companion temporary regulations Thursday outlining how the program would operate. The IRS lists Virginia…