US utility company Dominion Energy Virginia has submitted its proposed large-load connection queue process to the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), outlining how it plans to manage growing data center energy demand.

The filing follows a directive from the SCC following a November 2025 rate case that ordered the utility to develop a structured process to handle large-load interconnection requests.

The utility, which serves most of Virginia, said it has approximately 70GW of large-load delivery points (DP) within its interconnection queue, which is almost three times its all-time system peak of 24.7GW recorded in January 2025. Of the 70GW, around 25GW has been assigned projected connection dates through the end of 2031, while a further 45GW is under study. The vast majority of the requests are tied to data center developments.

Under the proposal, the utility would apply the formal queue process to loads of approximately 100MW or more. Individual requests would be capped at 300MW and grouped into batches of roughly ten projects, typically representing 2–3GW of aggregate demand.

The interconnection process would then take place over four stages, beginning with project initiation, which covers submission through Dominion’s Delivery Point Exchange platform, initial viability screening, and queue placement. This is followed by the project feasibility stage, which includes system studies and selection of a constructible solution supported by zoning confirmation and preliminary engineering plans. Followed by project development, which includes detailed engineering, permitting, and regulatory approvals. The final stage is project execution, which covers final design approval, construction, and energization.

In the filing, Dominion claims that the new structure is required to improve transparency, align new electrical load with system capability, and reduce the risk of stranded generation and transmission infrastructure tied to projects that fail to come to market.

The utility acknowledged the commission’s request to consider faster interconnection options for projects that meet readiness criteria, such as site preparedness or proximity to generation. However, it did not propose a formal fast-track process for projects that fall under these criteria. The utility instead said that it is still in the process of evaluating fast-track options, citing ongoing proceedings at PJM Interconnection and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which could influence interconnection policy.

Following the filing, the commission will now review the proposal as part of the new proceeding.

Dominion has been making a concerted effort to get a better handle on large load requests across its coverage area following a surge over recent years. To remedy concerns over electricity price increases tied to the growing demand, the utility proposed a new rate class last September for large load users, which was approved by the SCC in November.

The rate applies to all utility customers who consume more than 25MW of energy and have a monthly load factor exceeding 75 percent. Under the rules, developers would be subject to a minimum demand charge of 85 percent for transmission and distribution infrastructure and 60 percent for generation. If they exceed those minimums, they would be charged more.