Q1 2024 Earnings Summary
- Dominion Energy is experiencing accelerating demand from data centers, with new data centers ramping up to full capacity faster, now in 2-3 years compared to the previous 4-5 years, leading to faster revenue realization.
- The company is confident in securing future load growth from data centers, believing that most data centers will continue to rely on Dominion's grid rather than opting for self-generation solutions, due to the need for reliability and affordability.
- Dominion Energy anticipates potential upside in incremental capital investment opportunities towards the end of their plan, driven by substantial load growth from data centers requesting larger capacities and faster ramp-ups, which could enhance future earnings.
- Regulatory uncertainties in South Carolina could impact Dominion Energy's operations and financial plans. The company is awaiting legislative decisions that may affect their capital plans, with potential effects on growth and investments.
- The rapid growth and increased demands from data centers pose challenges, including the need for substantial capital investments in transmission and generation infrastructure. There is uncertainty around rate design, tariff changes, and whether data centers may consider self-generation, potentially impacting Dominion Energy's future revenues.
- The offshore wind project faces legal challenges that could delay the project and increase costs. Although the company believes the lawsuit has no merit, any delays could impact their schedule and budget.
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Data Centers Impact
Q: How will data centers affect load growth and rate design?
A: Dominion Energy anticipates significant load growth from data centers, as their requests are larger and ramping up faster than before . The company is exploring alternative rate designs and potential structures with data centers, but any changes would need approval from the SEC . Dominion is confident in finding solutions that work for customers and shareholders due to their long-standing relationships with data center clients . -
Incremental Generation Spend
Q: Will increased load create new generation investment opportunities?
A: Dominion foresees potential additional capacity needs toward the end of their plan due to substantial load growth from data centers . They are considering incremental generation spend, driven by policy and customer needs, while being thoughtful about their balance sheet and business risk profile . -
ATM Issuance Status
Q: Have any shares been issued under the ATM program?
A: Dominion has not issued any shares under the ATM program yet . The ATM shelf registration expired during their business review, but they plan to implement it shortly to begin the program . -
South Carolina Legislation Impact
Q: Will South Carolina legislation affect your capital plans?
A: While not commenting on pending legislation, Dominion is focused on achieving a constructive outcome in their electric base rate case in South Carolina . They have invested $1.6 billion on behalf of customers since the last case . The company aims to continue serving customers well and invest in growth capital as the state grows . -
PJM Capacity Auction Participation
Q: Are you electing the FRR or participating in PJM auction?
A: Dominion plans to return to the PJM capacity auction starting with the '25-'26 auction . Recent PJM capacity market reforms make this beneficial for customers . This move doesn't change guidance or operations and aligns with expectations of substantial load growth . -
Gas Storage Investment
Q: Are you investing in gas storage for dispatchable generation?
A: Dominion is considering adding LNG storage near their combined cycle plants to enhance reliability . This complements their renewable investments and helps operate the system reliably . -
SMR Development
Q: Thoughts on developing small modular reactors (SMRs)?
A: Dominion continues to explore deploying SMRs, as they are dispatchable and non-emitting . Recent legislation in Virginia supports nuclear power, reinforcing their investigation into SMRs while ensuring any investment fits customer needs and their risk profile . -
Millstone Data Center Plans
Q: Updates on Millstone supplying power to data centers?
A: Dominion signed an MOU with NE Edge to potentially develop a data center on Millstone property . If permits are granted, Dominion is ready to support the project, including providing land and a long-term PPA for a few hundred megawatts from Millstone . -
Offshore Wind Vessel Schedule
Q: Is the wind installation vessel ahead of schedule?
A: The vessel remains on schedule to complete sea trials in late '24 or early '25 . Termination of the initial charter allows Dominion to mitigate risks and stay on track, but doesn't change the overall project timeline . -
Data Center Ramp Times
Q: How quickly will new data centers reach full capacity?
A: Data centers now expect to ramp up to capacity faster, in 2-3 years compared to the historical 4-5 years . Dominion doesn't have specifics on the 15 data centers connecting this year but notes the acceleration in ramp times .
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