ROANOKE, Va. (WSET) — Rising energy costs are becoming a significant issue as Virginia approaches the midterm elections. On Thursday night, Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi hosted a listening tour in Roanoke, allowing residents to express their concerns about increasing energy bills, data center developments, and the proposed $67 billion merger between NextEra Energy and Dominion Energy.
Accompanied by Delegates Lily Franklin and Sam Rasoul, along with Roanoke Mayor Joe Cobb, Hashmi listened to attendees who voiced fears that the merger could lead to higher power bills. Outside Melrose Plaza, protesters chanted, “NextEra’s got to go,” highlighting concerns over monopoly practices.
One protester remarked, “This is not just some big business company coming in. This is a monopoly.” All attendees shared worries that their energy bills will rise if the merger proceeds. Concerns extended beyond the merger, as residents also expressed unease about the planned data centers, particularly a Google facility in Botetourt County and potential developments in Roanoke.
Residents asked local lawmakers how they can address the rapid data center expansion. Delegate Sam Rasoul expressed his readiness to support a moratorium on data center constructions, stating, “If I have an opportunity to vote on a moratorium, you know it’s a yes.” Delegate Lily Franklin echoed this sentiment, calling for “a full stop” on data centers.
Following the event, Hashmi indicated her intention to review any proposed legislation related to energy issues carefully, including a potential moratorium on data centers, and stated that developers should bear the costs of their water and energy consumption, rather than taxpayers.
Comments from the community regarding the Dominion-NextEra merger will be submitted to the Virginia State Corporation Commission for ongoing review.
