Dominion Energy lands in Columbia the week of its rate hike hearing

Dominion Energy flew from Richmond International Airport to Columbia Metropolitan Airport on Monday afternoon, arriving just ahead of a pivotal South Carolina Public Service Commission hearing on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, as reported by The State newspaper.

The same week the commission meets to weigh Dominion Energy's proposed rate increase — lowered last Friday to 7.6% under a settlement with consumer and environmental groups — the company's Gulfstream G450, tail number N607D, touched down in Columbia after a 55-minute flight. The hearing will determine whether the average residential customer's bill rises by $12 per 1,000 kilowatt-hours, a reduction from the original $20 request, per the settlement agreement.

The trip to Columbia continues a pattern of frequent flights between Richmond and South Carolina's capital this month. Dominion Energy's aircraft flew to Columbia on May 12 and returned the same day; it arrived, and made a similar round trip on May 13. The utility has been active in the state as it seeks approval for a new 2,200-megawatt natural gas plant at Canadys in Colleton County, which South Carolina regulators approved in March.