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VA SB69

VA SB69
Electric utilities; construction and development of renewable energy facilities, etc.

summary

Introduced
12/17/2025
In Committee
12/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Electric utilities; construction and development of renewable energy facilities; powers of State Air Pollution Control Board; powers of State Corporation Commission. Repeals provisions (i) requiring the State Air Pollution Control Board to adopt regulations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from any electricity generating unit in the Commonwealth and authorizing the Board to establish an auction program for energy allowances; (ii) prohibiting the State Corporation Commission from approving any new utility-owned generation facilities that emit carbon dioxide as a by-product of energy generation under certain circumstances; (iii) declaring that statutory allowances for energy derived from sunlight, onshore wind, offshore wind, and storage facilities are in the public interest; and (iv) relating to the development of solar and wind generation and energy storage capacity, development of offshore wind capacity, and generation of electricity from renewable and zero-carbon sources. The bill provides that planning and development activities for new nuclear generation facilities are in the public interest.

AI Summary

This bill makes several significant changes to Virginia's electric utility regulations, focusing on renewable energy, energy efficiency, and utility rate reviews. The key provisions include: Eliminating previous requirements for the State Air Pollution Control Board to adopt regulations for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generating units. The bill removes language about establishing carbon allowance auction programs and restrictions on new carbon-emitting generation facilities. Modifying the State Corporation Commission's approach to utility rate reviews, particularly for Phase I and Phase II utilities. It introduces biennial rate reviews for Phase I utilities starting in 2024, with provisions for reviewing earnings, potential rate adjustments, and incentives for renewable energy investments. Establishing shared solar programs for both Phase I and Phase II utilities, allowing customers to subscribe to and receive bill credits from community solar facilities. The programs include provisions for program capacity, subscriber eligibility, and bill crediting mechanisms. Creating new frameworks for utility investments in renewable energy, including solar and wind generation facilities. The bill declares planning and development activities for new nuclear generation facilities to be in the public interest and provides mechanisms for utilities to recover costs associated with these investments. Removing previous requirements related to renewable portfolio standards and offshore wind generation reporting. Providing guidelines for how utilities can recover costs associated with grid transformation projects, severe weather events, and other infrastructure investments. The bill reflects a shift towards more flexible approaches to utility regulation, with an emphasis on facilitating renewable energy development and providing more streamlined processes for utilities to invest in and recover costs for clean energy infrastructure.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Failed to report (defeated) in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (7-Y 8-N) (on 01/20/2026)

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Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB69
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB69) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1091911.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB69/text/SB69
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