RICHMOND — The State Corporation Commission announced it has approved the creation of a new rate class for the biggest users of electricity, including data centers.

In its final order issued Tuesday in Dominion Energy’s biennial review, the commission said the new GS-5 rate class will comprise customers demanding 25 megawatts or more. The new rate class will be effective beginning Jan. 1, 2027.

In addition, to help insulate ratepayers from the costs around the rapid build-out and construction of infrastructure to support businesses such as data centers, the SCC said certain large-scale customers will be required to pay a minimum of 85% of contracted distribution and transmission demand, and 60% of generation demand, among other requirements.

The commission also rejected Dominion’s req

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