Dominion Virginia Wants More Solar Power

One proposal would let the power company build up to 30 megawatts of solar panels on leased commercial rooftops

Virginia regulators are considering Dominion Virginia Power's proposed plans to increase the use of solar power.

The State Corporation Commission conducted a hearing Wednesday on the Richmond-based energy provider's proposals. 

Dominion's solar-power program consists of two proposals aimed at promoting alternative power and energy conservation.

One proposal would permit Dominion to build and operate up to 30 megawatts of company-owned solar generation facilities on leased commercial rooftops that would generate enough electricity to power about 6,000 homes during peak daylight hours. Another would allow Dominion to purchase up to three megawatts of electricity from customer-owned solar installations.

Members of the public commended the efforts to promote solar power but called it a small step. Others raised concerns over the costs.

Dominion is Virginia's largest utility with about 2.3 million customers.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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