Bill > HB3

This bill establishes the Income-Qualified Energy Efficiency and Weatherization Task Force, which will be created by the Department of Housing and Community Development in collaboration with the Department of Energy and the Department of Social Services. The task force's primary goal is to identify and address barriers that prevent low-income households from accessing energy efficiency and weatherization programs. The task force will consist of representatives from various state agencies, utility providers, clean energy advocates, and at least one income-qualified ratepayer who has experienced weatherization assistance challenges. The bill defines key terms such as "income-qualified individual" (households earning up to 60% of Virginia's median income or 200% of federal poverty level) and "whole-home energy efficiency retrofit" (comprehensive home improvements that enhance housing quality, health, safety, and energy efficiency). The task force is required to meet at least six times between July 2026 and September 2027 and will submit a detailed report by September 30, 2027, outlining barriers to energy efficiency program access, recommending policy improvements, and providing a plan to ensure weatherization and energy efficiency upgrades are available to all eligible low-income households in Virginia by December 31, 2034. The report must include comprehensive data on income-qualified households, their energy efficiency needs, and current program participation, with the aim of informing future policy decisions to improve energy efficiency services.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB3