The agreement would keep energy bills stable for the next two years. | Photo via Dominion Energy
Colder weather usually means higher energy bills, but that might not be the case for the next few years. A proposed new agreement between Dominion and state government would keep costs stable until 2026 — but first, a quick recap:
The bill
Following legislation to increase Dominion’s profit margins, a proposed agreement between the power company, state government, and environmental groups is looking to cap customer base rates for the next two years.
In February, the General Assembly passed legislation making changes to Dominion’s profit model. The company’s former profit margins, as mandated by the state, were set at 9.35%. For the next two years, those profit margins have been boosted to 9.7%.
The bill’s bump for Dominion’s profits came alongside its major overhauls to Virginia’s energy system. The two-year rate is designed to allow Dominion to prepare for 2025, when the State Corporation Commission will take over control of its margins.
The agreement
Now, Dominion has reached an agreement to keep customer base rates where they are for the next two years. A group of organizations including the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of the Navy, SCC staff, Appalachian Voices, Google, Harris Teeter, and Walmart have all signed on.
Customers would also receive a one-time credit from Dominion totaling roughly $2.25 per person. These credits are another aspect of the agreement, part of a $15 million allotment.
The agreement still needs to be officially approved by the SCC.
Glamorous Glizzy Get Together | Friday, Nov. 17 | 6-8 p.m. | Benchtop Brewing, 434 Hull St., Richmond | Cost of purchase | Try some delicious hot dogs — including veggie-friendly dogs — and help support Mustaches for Kids.
VisArts’ 59th Annual Craft + Design | Friday, Nov. 17-Sunday, Nov. 19 | Times vary | Main Street Station, 1500 E. Main St., Richmond | $10-$90 | Eat, drink, and browse work by 150+ artists from across the country.
Saturday, Nov. 18
The Food Drive Car Meet | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 2-4 p.m. | Drive Shack Richmond, 1647 Four Rings Dr., Richmond | Free | Bring a donation for Goochland Cares and see a display of cars from Upper Echelon Car Club.
VCU Men’s Basketball vs. Seattle | Saturday, Nov. 18 | 7-9 p.m. | Siegel Center, 1200 W. Broad St., Richmond | $25-$30 | Watch the Rams take on Seattle in person or stream on ESPN+.
Sunday, Nov. 19
Books & Brews | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 3-5 p.m. | Intermission Beer Company, 10089 Brook Rd., Unit A, Glen Allen | Cost of purchase | Talk about books and drink beer every first and third Sunday of the month — no assigned reading required.
Rainbow Roll | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 6-9 p.m. | Rollerdome, 4902 Williamsburg Rd., Richmond | $10 | Get your skate on and enjoy drag performances — your ticket includes admission, skate rental, and a donation to VA Pride.
“The Dark Crystal” | Sunday, Nov. 19 | 7 p.m. | The Byrd Theatre, 2908 W. Cary St., Richmond | $8 | See Jim Henson’s fantastical, puppet-filled feature on the big screen.
Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Travis Shaw seen here with Regional Manager Cori M. | Photo provided by Synergy Face + Body by Travis Shaw MD
Glow-up alert:Synergy Face + Body by Dr. Travis Shaw, MD is making moves in Midlothian with a new location on Ewing Park Lane. Arriving January 2024, the new 3,000-square-foot space will include eight treatment rooms and will offer the same wide range of gold-standard services as the flagship Richmond location, including:
City Council has authorized a 50-bed, year-round homeless shelter to be built at 7 N. Second St. The site is the former home of the Richmond Hostel, which closed in 2020. (Richmond Times-Dispatch)
Transit
The Staples Mill Amtrak station has completed renovations. The new-look station includes additional seating and new floors. It’s now looking to fill its blank walls — feel free to leave suggestions on Instagram.
Development
Plans are in the works for Bellevue Gardens, a $26 million housing development in Northside. The plan would see the contruction of a 78-unit, income-based apartment complex at 3940 Rosedale Ave. (Richmond BizSense)
Number
$200,000. That’s how much money the Partnership for the Future and Partnership for Housing Affordability have each been awarded after winning Bank of America Richmond’s 2023 Neighborhood Builders awards.
Tech
VSU is partnering with Dominion Energy to develop a battery storage center to provide backup power to the VSU Multi-Purpose Center. The innovative project will test three alternatives to lithium-ion batteries.
Arts
Richmond Performing Arts Alliance has launched an app to help Richmonders engage with local art. The app includes a program called #ArtsHuntRVA, a virtual scavenger hunt of local culture.
Fact or fiction
Vaginal yeast and BV infections are common, with 70% of women having at least one yeast infection in their life — fact or fiction?See the answer (and get the 411 on treatment options).*
Shop
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Richmond and Henrico Health Districts are partnering with Health Brigade, a free clinic located in the Fan, to provide free vaccinations at needle exchange events.
Health Brigade offers evidence-based harm reduction services to Richmonders struggling with drug addiction. Needle exchanges help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and hepatitis C among those who inject drugs — and, by extension, among their families and communities.
Now, RHHD will offer free monthly COVID-19 and flu vaccination clinics at needle exchange locations.
“We think it is important to provide these vaccines in a community outreach setting,” Dziko Singleton and Colin King said. The two serve as co-coordinators of Health Brigade’s Comprehensive Harm Reduction Program.
RHHD encourages all Richmonders to stay up to date on vaccines. Community immunization clinics can be found at their Henrico East, Henrico West, and Cary Street locations.
I’ve been getting my flu vaccines at the Westbury Apothecary since I was a kid. Shots are never fun, but a side of pancakes makes them a whole lot better.
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