Robert B. Payne Heating & Air Highlights Fall Heating Readiness as Fredericksburg Region Weighs Utility Merger

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Regional calls for public hearings on the proposed Dominion-NextEra merger put energy affordability and reliability in focus as homeowners prepare for heating season.

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — Energy affordability and reliability are drawing fresh attention across the Fredericksburg region as state regulators review the proposed $67 billion merger of Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy.

On September 9, the Fredericksburg Free Press reported that a coalition of nine Virginia community organizations, including Protect Stafford and Safeguard Spotsy, is asking the Virginia State Corporation Commission to add in-person regional public hearings to the merger review. The groups specifically cited the shared infrastructure and electric-utility concerns of Stafford, Spotsylvania and the greater Fredericksburg region.

The SCC identifies the proceeding as Case PUR-2026-00112. Its current schedule lists public-witness testimony for November 5, 9 and 10, a November 9 deadline for written comments and an evidentiary hearing beginning November 17. Gov. Abigail Spanberger

formally intervened in the case in August, with her office identifying energy affordability as one of the priorities guiding the administration’s involvement.

The debate is unfolding while the Virginia Department of Energy prepares the 2026 Virginia Energy Plan. The agency says the plan, scheduled for release in October, will address affordable, reliable and resilient energy, with public and stakeholder engagement running from June through September.

For households, those larger policy questions arrive as the seasonal focus begins shifting from cooling to heating. Robert B. Payne Heating & Air, a Fredericksburg company founded in 1930, services gas, electric and oil furnaces, boilers, heat pumps and geothermal systems, in addition to air-conditioning systems, water heaters and heating-oil delivery.

“Utility policy is a big-picture issue, but homeowners can still take practical steps inside their own homes before heating demand picks up,” said Justin “JC” Brooks, Service Manager at Robert B. Payne Heating & Air. “Fall is a good time to make sure the system starts, runs normally and is ready before the first sustained cold weather puts it under a heavier load.”

Residents preparing for the heating season can:

• Test the heating system before continuous use is necessary and confirm that the

thermostat responds normally.

• Inspect or replace a dirty HVAC filter and keep supply and return vents unobstructed.
• For heat pumps, keep the outdoor unit clear of leaves, vegetation and other debris.
• Check heating-oil levels early rather than waiting until cold weather arrives.
• Test carbon-monoxide alarms and follow the manufacturer’s replacement and maintenance instructions.
• Have fuel-burning furnaces, boilers, water heaters, flues and vents professionally inspected. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends annual professional inspection of fuel-burning home-heating systems.

For Fredericksburg HVAC and heating service information, visit https://robertbpayne.com/service-area/fredericksburg-va/ or call 540-373-5876.

About Robert B. Payne Heating & Air

Robert B. Payne Heating & Air has served Fredericksburg and surrounding communities since 1930, providing residential and commercial heating and air-conditioning service, water-heater service and heating-oil delivery. Its technicians are NATE-certified, and the company lists Virginia State Contractor License No. 2701003188 with GFC, HVA, PLB and ELE classifications. Robert B. Payne has been an Air Conditioning Contractors of America member since 1988.

Media Contact

Justin “JC” Brooks Service Manager

Robert B. Payne Heating & Air 540-373-5876

justin.brooks@robertbpayne.com https://robertbpayne.com/

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