Dominion Energy’s contrived need for natural gas on display again

A recent recording revealed that a Dominion representative made allusions to expanding the Atlantic Coast Pipeline beyond North Carolina, into South Carolina. This latest revelation adds to mounting evidence and concern that there is no real need for this pipeline in Virginia and North Carolina.

We know that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline isn’t justified by a need for new power plants in Virginia. Dominion’s new claim—that the pipeline could serve South Carolina—raises further questions about the market support for this project.,” said Senior Attorney Greg Buppert. “Virginians stand to lose if the Atlantic Coast Pipeline goes forward. It carves through Virginia’s mountains and waterways, and Dominion customers will foot the bill to the tune of $2 billion.

The news of a possible expansion of the pipeline comes on the heels of recent testimony by an SELC expert witness at the Virginia State Corporation Commission showing that the cost of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline will, indeed, be passed on to ratepayers.  This testimony, based on Dominion’s own data, contradicts the company’s claims that the pipeline will save its customers money on their utility bills. The commission also raised questions as to why Dominion’s electricity load forecast is incorrectly overestimated year after year. This is the same forecast Dominion believes proves a need for the Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

In order for Dominion to move forward with the pipeline, it will need to receive a water permit from Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality.  This week Virginia DEQ said the State Water Control Board would discuss the Atlantic Coast pipeline at meetings scheduled for December 11 and 12.

Today SELC launches a television and digital ad campaign aimed at educating Virginians about the environmental and economic ramifications to them if Dominion’s Atlantic Coast Pipeline moves forward with construction. Another recent project, InThePath.org, collects stories from those most directly impacted if the pipeline were constructed.