Study: Proposed Richmond tower could generate nearly $1B in activity

State of play: The Virginia Chamber of Commerce — which has praised the potential economic benefits of the merger but not officially endorsed it — commissioned the analysis. It projects a one-time economic boost from construction of the tower, including:

• $959 million in statewide economic activity
• More than 4,100 jobs supported by construction, including indirect employment
• $337 million in wages and benefits
• $30.1 million in state and local tax revenue

Zoom out: The proposed merger's hypothetical benefits for Virginia — which now includes four years of monthly bill credits and 1,000 new jobs statewide — could generate more than $3 billion in economic activity across Virginia over multiple years, per the Chamber.

Yes, but: Critics, including clean energy advocacy group Clean Virginia, argue the promised perks don't do enough to protect Dominion customers.

• And the independent watchdog for PJM, the regional power grid, has urged federal regulators to reject the merger, warning it could give the companies too much control over electricity supplies and drive up prices, the Times-Dispatch reports.

What's next: The State Corporation Commission will begin hearing public testimony on the deal on Nov. 5, with a decision expected in January.