Dominion Energy Announces New Energy Storage Project in Person County

September 8, 2023

Moriah Energy Center rendering courtesy of Dominion Energy

After months of discussion between Person County leaders and Dominion Energy, the utility has selected a site for the construction of a natural gas storage facility, which will boost reliability as well as economic benefits to the county. The proposed facility, Moriah Energy Center, will be located on Helena Moriah Road.

Moriah Energy Center will liquify natural gas and store it for use during periods of high demand where it will be delivered to customers through Dominion Energy’s existing pipeline system.

“Throughout our conversations, Dominion Energy emphasized its commitment to being a responsible and involved corporate citizen. I am excited about this public utility project and the benefits it brings to our county and region, and I am grateful to Dominion Energy for selecting this location in Person County. This is an excellent example of property owners and industry leaders working together in a progressive manner for the benefit of Person County,” said Gordon Powell, Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners.

Dominion Energy says the Moriah Energy Center, which can store up to 25 million gallons of natural gas in liquid form, is a critical reliability project to serve growing demand with a customer base increasing nearly 2.5 percent a year. During construction alone, related activities could bring more than $40 million in economic benefits to the county and nearly $1 million in state and local tax benefits. Construction could begin as early as next year.

“The leaders of Person County Economic Development actively seek to partner with businesses that can grow and prosper and ultimately benefit this County. With a proposed $400 million economic investment, Dominion Energy is bringing long-term and short-term workers to our community, as well as a significant boost to our tax base,” said Phillip Allen, Chairman of Person County Economic Development Commission Board. “This project will ensure we have sufficient infrastructure for the growing energy needs of our residents and businesses, especially at peak times. The Economic Development Commission wishes to thank Dominion Energy for selecting Person County for this project and thank the Person County stakeholders for their support.”

Dominion Energy will take strategic actions to protect public safety and the environment. Once operational, the Moriah Energy Center will be regulated at the state and federal level by the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, an agency of the Department of Transportation agency. Dominion Energy also agreed to hold a public meeting for the community to learn more about the project by the end of the year.

“The Moriah Energy Center represents our commitment to energy reliability as the need for natural gas increases in the region. It’s also an opportunity to significantly increase our presence in Person County and provide an economic boost to the area,” said Rusty Harris, Vice President and General Manager of Dominion Energy's natural gas business in North Carolina. “We appreciate the County’s input to help us select a site that minimizes community and environmental impacts.”

Dominion Energy has set up a webpage with information about the project where the public can learn more at DominionEnergy.com/MoriahEnergyCenter.