Commentary: For Hoteliers Like Me, Reliable Energy Isn't a Luxury. It's a Necessity
A column published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch by Neil Amin, CEO of Shamin Hotels, emphasizes the critical need for reliable, affordable electricity for businesses across Virginia.
“For more than 40 years, my family has operated a business that never sleeps. From the front desk and the guest services to the housekeeping and the kitchen and conference rooms, Shamin Hotels runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week. And every part of that operation depends on one thing most people take for granted — reliable electricity…” writes Amin. “Just one outage can damage our revenue, our reputation and the trust we’ve worked so hard to earn and keep. And in hospitality, trust is everything.”
“We’re not alone in this either. Across Virginia, countless businesses — hospitals, manufacturing plants, grocery stores, local retailers and restaurants — face the same serious risks to their operations and livelihood without reliable power.
“The 21st-century economy is increasingly vulnerable to power disruptions caused by extreme weather, aging infrastructure and rising energy demand. That’s why I believe reliable energy isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. And it’s time we start treating it that way.”
Virginia’s families and businesses benefit from a reliable mix of energy sources like wind, solar, energy storage, nuclear and natural gas. This all-of-the-above and common sense approach helps ensure a dependable power supply across the Commonwealth.