By Jerry Bellune 
JerryBellune@yahoo.com
Are once docile state regulators getting tough with Dominion Energy?
Their rejection of the Lexington County-based utility’s 15-year plan suggests that.
Dominion submitted its Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) on how it will meet customer demand for 15 years in an economical, reliable way,
Dominion also asked the Public Service Commission for an almost 8% increase in its rates after 9 nuclear power rate hikes have cost ratepayers $2.2 billion.
The Office of Regulatory Staff recommended almost 40 additions to Dominion’s long-term service plan.
ORS Director Nanette Edwards said her office presented 4 witnesses and their testimony in the case. 
“ORS proposed 19 recommendations be included in the 2020 IRP and 20 recommendations for future IRPs,” Edwards said.
Dominion incorporated all but 1 of the ORS recommendations in a 2nd PSC filing.
 ORS is now reviewing the 95-page PSC order, she said. 
 “Based on our preliminary review, it appears the commission adopted many of our recommendations.”
Under the Energy Freedom Act, IRPs must include renewable energy and solar expansion,” said energy consultant Jim Clarkson of Resource Supply Management.
The PSC  sent Dominion back to the drawing board requiring it make:
• Significant changes and refigure its plan’s costs.
• Expand availability of solar and renewable energy,.
“This is a different approach from the normal rubber-stamp attitude of past commissioners,” he said.
Clarkson said Dominion, Duke and 14 other utilities plan a Southeast Energy Exchange Market, a trading platform to lower power prices and offer clean power.