History of Dominion Energy in Timeline

Dominion Energy is an American energy company based in Richmond, Virginia. It provides electricity to portions of Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. Additionally, it supplies natural gas to areas within Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, West Virginia, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The company also operates power generation facilities located in Indiana, Illinois, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

1901: Water rights pass to Virginia Passenger & Power Company

In 1901, the water rights of the Upper Appomattox Company were transferred to the newly established Virginia Passenger & Power Company.

June 29, 1909: Virginia Railway & Power Company Founded

On June 29, 1909, Frank Jay Gould founded the Virginia Railway & Power Company, which soon acquired Virginia Passenger & Power.

1925: Name Change to Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO)

In 1925, the Virginia Railway & Power Company changed its name to the Virginia Electric and Power Company (VEPCO), operating as a regulated monopoly.

1940: Merger with Virginia Public Service Company

In 1940, VEPCO doubled its service territory by merging with the Virginia Public Service Company.

1944: Sale of Transit Operations

In 1944, VEPCO sold its transit operations.

1980: Branding as Virginia Power and North Carolina Power

In 1980, VEPCO began branding itself as "Virginia Power" in Virginia and "North Carolina Power" in its North Carolina operations.

1985: Distribution Operations Split

In 1985, Dominion divided its distribution operations between Virginia Power, serving Virginia and the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia, and North Carolina Power, serving North Carolina.

1986: Expansion in Northern Virginia

In 1986, Dominion expanded its territory in Northern Virginia by acquiring the Virginia distribution territory of Potomac Electric Power Company (PEPCO).

1987: Sale of West Virginia Assets to Utilicorp United

In 1987, Dominion sold its West Virginia assets to Utilicorp United, which branded them as West Virginia Power, but Dominion retained ownership of the Mount Storm Power Station in West Virginia.

1999: West Virginia Power Sold to Allegheny Energy

In 1999, West Virginia Power was sold to Allegheny Energy and incorporated into its Monongahela Power subsidiary.

2000: Acquisition of Consolidated Natural Gas Company (CNG)

In 2000, Dominion acquired Consolidated Natural Gas Company (CNG) of Pittsburgh, expanding its natural gas service to energy-intensive markets in the Northeastern U.S.

2000: Re-branding to Dominion

In 2000, Dominion re-branded all of its operations, unifying Virginia Power, North Carolina Power, and Consolidated Gas under the Dominion name to create a more unified energy company.

2001: Acquisition of Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Company

In 2001, Dominion further expanded its natural gas delivery network by acquiring Louis Dreyfus Natural Gas Company.

2001: Dominion Cove Point LNG subsidiary scheduled to reopen

In 2001, when Dominion's Dominion Cove Point LNG subsidiary was scheduled to reopen, local residents raised concerns regarding its proximity to the Calvert Cliffs Nuclear Power Plant and potential risks. They believed the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission had not adequately considered these risks.

2002: Dominion responsible for toxicant emissions

In 2002, Dominion was responsible for emissions including 1,110,703 pounds of gastrointestinal or liver toxicant emissions, 1,440,000 pounds of musculoskeletal toxicant emissions, and 1,489,763 pounds of suspected respiratory toxicant emissions, and 1,478,383 pounds of suspected skin or sense organ toxicant emissions among other emissions that are suspected to be hazardous.

2003: Ongoing dispute with EPA begins

In 2003, an ongoing dispute began between the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Dominion Energy regarding the Brayton Point Power Station discharge permit.

2005: Dominion Resources ranked 19th with a Toxic Score of 117,712

In 2005, Dominion Resources was ranked 19th with a Toxic Score of 117,712 by the Political Economy Research Institute based on airborne pollutant emissions.

2005: Washington Gas claims natural gas is too "hot"

In 2005, Washington Gas claimed that the natural gas imported at Dominion's plant was too "hot," leading to customer problems and breaks in mains. Dominion denied the gas was the cause and stated that expanding the serviced area wouldn't cause additional leaks.

February 13, 2007: Report on Power Line Route Change

On February 13, 2007, The Washington Post reported that Dominion was planning to change the route of a 500 kV transmission line to appease critics in Northern Virginia, shifting it from protected forest and farmland to a route adjacent to existing power lines. Representatives opposed the line, while Dominion said that it would bring needed electricity to Northern Virginia.

December 2007: Settlement between EPA and Dominion Energy of Brayton Point

In December 2007, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Dominion Energy of Brayton Point reached a settlement requiring the company's power generating plant to install new closed cycle cooling towers to protect aquatic organisms in Mount Hope Bay.

2007: Sale of Oil and Gas Exploration and Production Assets

During 2007, Dominion sold the majority of its oil and natural gas exploration and production assets, known as Dominion Exploration and Production, to increase focus on growing its electric generation and energy distribution, transmission, storage and retail businesses mainly in Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

2007: Sale of Houston-based Natural Gas and Oil Exploration and Production Business

In 2007, Dominion sold most of its Houston-based natural gas and oil exploration and production business for nearly $14 billion to refocus on core electric and gas operations. Onshore US oil and gas reserves were sold to Loews Corporation and XTO Energy, while Gulf of Mexico reserves were sold to Eni, and Canadian reserves to two Canadian trusts. Dominion retained some Appalachian production areas.

February 15, 2008: SCC Approves Dominion Virginia Transmission Line Proposal

On February 15, 2008, the SCC approved a proposal for a 230 kV Dominion Virginia transmission line above ground along a portion of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail.

March 5, 2008: Emergency Legislation Passed for Underground Construction

On March 5, 2008, the Senate and the House of Delegates of the Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed emergency legislation mandating underground construction of the 230kV Dominion Virginia transmission line that travels above ground along a portion of the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail.

April 2, 2008: Emergency Legislation Approved by Governor

On April 2, 2008, Virginia Governor Tim Kaine approved the emergency legislation requiring the underground construction of the transmission line along the Washington & Old Dominion Railroad Trail.

June 2008: Construction Begins on Wise County Power Station

In June 2008, Dominion started constructing a 605 MWe coal fired power station in Wise County, Virginia, which Dominion calls the "Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center."

September 2008: Site Blockaded by Rainforest Action Network

In September 2008, the site of the Wise County power station was blockaded by activists from the Rainforest Action Network.

October 7, 2008: Power Line Proposal Accepted by SCC

On October 7, 2008, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) accepted Dominion's proposal for a power line route change, despite previous opposition.

2008: Dominion Resources ranked 27th with a Toxic Score of 58,642

In 2008, Dominion Resources was ranked 27th with a Toxic Score of 58,642 by the Political Economy Research Institute. This score measures airborne pollutant emissions.

2008: Dominion PAC Donations in 2008

In 2008, the Dominion PAC donated $539,038, with 50% going to Republicans and 47% to Democrats.

December 2009: Wise County Power Station Construction Reaches Halfway Point

As of December 2009, the construction of the Wise County power station had reached the halfway point, with the plant scheduled to be fully operational in mid-2012.

2009: Dominion PAC Donations in 2009

In 2009, the Dominion Political Action Committee (PAC) donated a total of $814,885, with 56% going to Republicans and 41% to Democrats.

2010: Allegheny Energy Acquired by FirstEnergy

In 2010, FirstEnergy acquired Allegheny Energy, including its Monongahela Power subsidiary and other Allegheny Energy subsidiaries.

2010: Dominion Resources ranked 51st among corporations emitting airborne pollutants

In 2010, the Political Economy Research Institute ranked Dominion Resources 51st among corporations emitting airborne pollutants in the United States, with a Toxic Score of 16,656.

2010: Publication of Dominion’s First Century: A Legacy of Service

In 2010, the book "Dominion’s First Century: A Legacy of Service" about Dominion's 100-year history, was published.

2012: Scheduled Operation of Wise County Power Station

In 2012, the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center was scheduled to be fully operational.

September 2016: Acquisition of Questar Corporation

In September 2016, Dominion Energy acquired Questar Corporation, expanding its operations into the Western United States, including parts of Utah and Wyoming.

September 2016: Completion of Questar Corporation Acquisition

In September 2016, Dominion Resources completed its acquisition of Questar Corporation, after announcing it in February 2016.

2016: Dominion PAC Contributions in 2016 Election Cycle

During the 2016 election cycle, the Dominion PAC contributed $1,276,016.17 to various political candidates and committees.

2016: Employees Selected for Volunteer of the Year Program

In 2016, twelve Dominion employees from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia were selected for the Benjamin J. Lambert, III, Volunteer of the Year Program.

2017: Thirty-third Year of Volunteer of the Year Program

2017 marked the thirty-third year of Dominion's Benjamin J. Lambert, III, Volunteer of the Year Program, which recognizes top company volunteers. The program awards $1000 to the charity of the individual's choice.

2017: Rebranding to Dominion Energy

In 2017, Dominion Resources rebranded itself as Dominion Energy and introduced a new logo.

2017: Fortune 500 Listing

In 2017, Dominion was ranked #238 on the Fortune 500 list.

May 2018: Groundbreaking of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline

In May 2018, ground was broken in Lewis County, West Virginia, for the 600-mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline planned to run between West Virginia and North Carolina.

January 2019: Completion of SCANA Corporation Acquisition

In January 2019, Dominion Energy completed its acquisition of SCANA Corporation, following the announcement of the acquisition plans in January 2018.

January 2019: Acquisition of SCANA Corporation

In January 2019, Dominion Energy finalized its acquisition of SCANA Corporation.

July 2020: Cancellation of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline

Dominion and Duke Energy canceled the Atlantic Coast Pipeline in July 2020, citing cost increases due to lawsuits, largely from environmental groups.

July 2020: Sale of Natural Gas Assets to Berkshire Hathaway Announced

In July 2020, Dominion Energy announced plans to sell its natural gas transmission and storage assets to Berkshire Hathaway in a deal estimated at $10 billion.

December 2020: Keel Laid for Offshore WTIV Charybdis

In December 2020, the keel was laid for the Jones Act-compliant offshore WTIV Charybdis, at Keppel AmFELS shipyards in Brownsville, Texas for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project.

2020: Dominion's Response to Coronavirus Pandemic

In 2020, Dominion responded to the coronavirus pandemic by suspending service disconnections for non-payment, reconnecting disconnected customers, and waiving late and reconnection fees. The company also directed its charitable foundation to provide $1 million in aid to individuals and organizations fighting COVID-19, including the American Red Cross.

2021: Lobbying for West Virginia's Critical Infrastructure Protection Act

In 2021, lobbyists for Dominion worked to pass West Virginia's Critical Infrastructure Protection Act, which created felony penalties for trespassing offenses targeting oil and gas facilities.

February 2022: Sale of Dominion Energy West Virginia to Hearthstone Utilities Inc.

In February 2022, Dominion Energy sold one of its subsidiaries, Dominion Energy West Virginia, to Hearthstone Utilities Inc. for $690 million. The subsidiary was renamed Hope Gas.

2022: Goal for Grid Transformation Program

By 2022, Dominion Energy's "grid transformation program" aimed to build 3,000 megawatts worth of new solar and wind energy.

2022: Dominion's Electric Production Sources in 2022

In 2022, Dominion Energy's total electric production was composed of 18 percent coal, 23 percent nuclear power, 48 percent natural gas, and 11 percent hydroelectricity and other renewables. The company is also developing a strategy to increase the use of renewable energy sources to minimize its environmental impact.

September 2023: Enbridge Agrees to Acquire East Ohio Gas, Questar Gas, and Public Service Co. of North Carolina

In September 2023, Enbridge agreed to acquire East Ohio Gas, Questar Gas, and Public Service Co. of North Carolina from Dominion for an enterprise value of $14 billion.

2026: Target Completion of CVOW

Dominion plans for all turbines to be in place by 2026 for the Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind, or CVOW, project. This project will add more than 2,600 megawatts of clean energy to their grid, with 220 wind turbines capable of powering 650,000 homes at peak.