February 7, 2012

Energy provider Dominion Virginia Power is looking at sites in Chesterfield and Brunswick counties for a new power plant in Virginia.

During an investor presentation Tuesday, CEO Tom Farrell II said the new 1,300-megawatt facility is part of its already announced plans to meet growing energy demands and comply with environmental regulations. It also plans to close or convert some of its power stations in the state, and open new ones.

The Richmond-based company expects to select the location of the plant by the end of March and will file a request with Virginia regulators by 2013. If approved, it expects the plant to open in 2016.

Parent company Dominion Resources Inc. is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy and serves retail customers in 15 states.