Cumberland planning commission recommends approval of massive natural gas power plant

CUMBERLAND, Va. (WWBT) — Plans to build a natural gas power plant in Cumberland County are got the seal of approval from the planning commission Monday night.

The recommendation follows hours of public comment, both in favor and against the proposal.

The planning commission voted in favor 5-1 of approving a conditional use permit for the Cumberland Energy Center. The commission also voted in favor 6-0 on a substantial accord determination that says the project is accord with the county’s comprehensive plan.

The decisions came without commissioners sharing much about their reasoning.

The power plant would go near Columbia Road and the James River. According to Dominion Energy, it would generate around 3,000 megawatts of electricity.

“The Cumberland Energy Center is vitally important to our plan to reliably meet our customers needs but lessen our reliance on more costly imported power,” said Jeremy Slayton, a Dominion Energy spokesperson.

The project is being met with strong opposition from a growing group of Cumberland homeowners and environmental advocates.

Wearing yellow shirts, they rallied outside the meeting before heading in to air concerns, including impacts to their health, the environment and their property values.

“The site under the proposal is designated as rural residential and agricultural. It’s just not a fit,” said Katie Hoffman.

Not everyone who spoke Monday night was against the project, though. Others told county and Dominion leaders Monday night that the gas power plant is the kind of opportunity the Cumberland community needs.

“It could provide jobs and tax revenue, and provide a stronger tax base that could support our needs and our priorities,” Kristy Armitage said.

Economic impacts are among the top selling points Dominion Energy is pushing. The company also said the power plant will not be visible to neighbors, the roads around it will be widened for traffic, and plans are being adjusted based on neighbors concerns.

“That’s why we are out there engaging with them, answering their questions to the best we can at this point. The regulatory review process is public, it’s transparent,” Slayton said.

The planning commission ultimately sided with Dominion, leaving some homeowners with uncertainty.

“They’re definitely going to give us tax revenue. My question is are they going to give enough for what they’re taking from us,” Hoffman said.

The project still has a long way to go before it’s a done deal.

The Cumberland Board of Supervisors will vote on the power plant next, with the planning commission’s recommendation in mind.