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Proposed Dominion–NextEra Merger: How South Carolinians Can Speak Up
Learn what the proposal could mean for your utility service and how to share your views with the Public Service Commission.
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Affordable, reliable utility service matters to every household, especially older adults managing retirement income and other essential expenses.
South Carolina regulators are reviewing a proposed merger between Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy. Customers can share their experiences and concerns at public hearings in November and December or submit written comments.
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What is being proposed?
Under the proposal, Dominion Energy would become part of NextEra Energy. Dominion Energy South Carolina would become an indirect subsidiary of NextEra and remain a state-regulated electric and natural gas utility.
The Public Service Commission of South Carolina, or PSC, is reviewing the request in Docket No. 2026-186-EG. The companies anticipate completing the merger in the second half of 2027 if the required approvals are received. That timing could change.
What does this mean for customers now?
Customers do not need to change how they pay their bills or contact Dominion Energy South Carolina. The merger application does not propose an immediate change to existing rates, customer charges or service terms.
The merger review is separate from Dominion’s 2026 electric rate case. The proposed merger does not cancel the rate increase approved in that proceeding.
The companies have proposed bill credits after the merger closes. For a typical residential electric customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours monthly, the proposal is designed to provide a $10 monthly credit for two years. Actual credits would vary with usage.
Those credits are proposed, not available today, and depend on regulatory approval and the merger closing.
Read AARP South Carolina’s overview of the proposed merger.
Why is AARP paying attention?
AARP’s policy calls for utility mergers to demonstrate lasting benefits for consumers. Customers should not bear merger costs and risks, and mergers should not lead to higher rates, less reliable service or poorer customer service.
For older South Carolinians and their families, the review raises practical questions: Will service remain reliable? How will customers be protected from additional costs? What benefits will remain after temporary credits end?
Attend a public hearing
The PSC has scheduled these customer hearings. All dates are in 2026, and all times are Eastern.
Aiken Area — Thursday, Nov. 5
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Aiken County Government Center, County Council Chambers
1930 University Parkway, third floor, Aiken
Participation: In person
Charleston Area — Thursday, Nov. 12
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Lonnie Hamilton III Public Services Building, Charleston County Council Chambers
4045 Bridgeview Drive, second floor, North Charleston
Participation: In person
Columbia Area — Tuesday, Nov. 17
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: South Carolina Department of Archives and History, Auditorium
8301 Parklane Road, Columbia
Participation: In person
Columbia Area and Virtual — Tuesday, Dec. 8
Times: 9 a.m.–noon and 5–9 p.m.
Location: Public Service Commission Hearing Room
101 Executive Center Drive, Columbia
Participation: In person or virtually
All hearings take place in 2026. All times are Eastern.
Public Service Commission Hearing Room, 101 Executive Center Drive, Columbia
In person or virtually
You may testify at only one session, for up to three minutes. Preregistered speakers will be called before those who have not preregistered.
Sign up to speak
Choose one of these options:
- Complete the PSC’s speaker registration form.
- Email communications@psc.sc.gov.
- Call 803-896-4120.
The hearing notice asks customers to preregister by Nov. 2 for Aiken, Nov. 9 for North Charleston, Nov. 12 for the Nov. 17 Columbia hearing, and Dec. 3 for the Dec. 8 sessions.
If you plan to testify virtually on Dec. 8, contact the PSC when registering to confirm how to connect. Testimony is given under oath and becomes part of the official case record. The Dec. 8 evening session may end before 9 p.m. if all speakers have finished.
Your experience can help commissioners understand what utility costs and service mean for your household. You do not need a technical presentation to explain what matters to you.
Consider using your three minutes to:
- Explain how utility bills affect your household budget.
- Describe why reliable service matters to your health, safety or caregiving responsibilities.
- Identify the protections or lasting benefits you want commissioners to require.
You might ask the commission to consider:
- How will customers be protected from merger-related costs?
- What benefits would customers receive after temporary bill credits expire?
- How would commitments to reliable service and customer support be enforced?
Write down your main points and practice reading them aloud before the hearing.
Can’t attend? Submit written comments
You can share your views through a Letter of Protest without attending a hearing.
Visit the PSC’s Letter of Protest page for instructions. Identify Docket No. 2026-186-EG so your comments are connected to the merger review.
Send the completed letter by email to contact@psc.sc.gov or by mail to:
Public Service Commission of South Carolina
101 Executive Center Drive, Suite 100 Columbia, SC 29210
For questions about participation, call 803-896-5100.
Stay informed
Follow the merger case through the PSC’s public docket, where you can review filings, notices and commission orders.
Before attending, check the PSC’s hearing announcement for current information.
Your household’s experience matters. Share what affordable, reliable utility service means to you.
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