Frequently Asked Questions

The Grid Transformation and Security Act passed by the General Assembly in 2018 declared the offshore wind Phase I pilot project to be in the public interest, and the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved the Phase I pilot project later that year. The cost of these initial two turbines will be covered under the existing rate structure for generation and distribution with no rate increase to our customers.

The Virginia Clean Economy Act passed by the General Assembly in 2020 found up to 5,200 megawatts of offshore wind in the public interest. Our CVOW commercial-scale offshore wind project requires approval from the Virginia State Corporation Commission, just like any other power generating facility. Any costs we would seek to recover from customers are also subject to Commission review. We estimate that over the life of the Phase II commercial project, the net average monthly bill impact will be less than $4 for the typical residential customer after accounting for fuel cost savings and the value of the wind energy’s renewable attributes. Qualifying low-income customers will be exempt from this additional monthly charge. Costs could be further reduced as technology matures and a U.S.-based supply chain anchored in Hampton Roads is developed.

A 34-kilovolt distribution line running from the turbines to a connection point in Dominion Energy’s electrical system near the State Military Reservation was buried approximately 6 feet underneath the ocean floor, where possible.

Yes. Many of the turbines will have aircraft warning lights and we are studying different technology to determine the best option for keeping aircraft safe while in the air, but also limiting any visual impact from shore.