Credit: Ampion renewable energy
Governor Glenn Youngkin signed SB 253/HB 106 and SB 255/HB 108, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Fairfax County) and Rep. Rip Sullivan (D-Fairfax County), to expand Dominion Energy’s shared access to solar improve and expand areas and create a shared solar program for customers in southwestern Virginia.
“This legislation enables the continued advancement of shared solar energy in Virginia and proves that both sides of the aisle recognize the value that local energy can provide to their constituents,” said Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic regional director of the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “We look forward to implementing these bills at the State Corporation Commission.”
SB 253/HB 106 could add up to 150 MW to Dominion Energy’s shared solar program, making certain dual-use projects on rooftops, brownfields, landfills or agricultural facilities eligible for incentives determined by the Virginia Department of Energy. SB 255/HB 108 would create a 50 MW shared solar program for Appalachian Power Company. Both bills require that the benefits of shared solar energy to the electric grid and to the state be taken into account when calculating the minimum bill for each utility. Combined, these bills are far less ambitious than what the industry initially envisioned at the start of the legislative session, but they represent a compromise and incremental progress for shared solar in Virginia.
“Many, including myself, have been working hard since 2020 to develop a robust shared solar program in Virginia,” said Majority Leader Scott Surovell. “I am optimistic that this legislation will make this a reality for the entire Commonwealth. Thank you to all the stakeholders who worked tirelessly to ensure this legislation is sustainable and in the best interests of Virginians.”
“A lot of effort went into these bills to balance the interests of legislators, advocates and key stakeholders,” said Rep. Rip Sullivan. “I’m happy that I helped that process to the finish line. I look forward to expanding shared solar to more customers in Virginia.”
This is an achievement for Gov. Youngkin’s Virginia Energy Plan 2022, which included multiple recommendations on additional energy sources for electric customers to choose from and emphasized the need to “remove barriers to distributed generation, including shared solar, and ability of Virginians to install energy resources on their property.”
News item from the Coalition for Community Solar Access