The coalition highlights what a lightning rod the political power of Virginia’s electric utilities has become. The smaller Appalachian Power has similar clout in the southwestern section of the state. The State Corporation Commission has authority to oversee Dominion and Appalachian Power, setting rates and issuing rebates to customers when profits get too high. The members of the Virginia Energy Reform Coalition said states such as Texas and Ohio have devised successful ways to deregulate the energy market and usher in competition that saves money for consumers. As a result, he said, the energy market has evolved faster to embrace new technology and alternate sources.

Source: Washington Post May 07, 2019 21:00 UTC