Bill > SB72

This bill establishes a policy for the Commonwealth of Virginia to reduce heating-related living costs for low-income residents, defining "low-income resident" as an individual or household with an income up to 60% of the state median, 80% of the local median, or 200% of the federal poverty level, whichever is greater. It requires "Phase I and Phase II Utilities" (large electric utility companies as defined in Virginia law) to make significant efforts to provide "prescriptive efficiency measures" – utility-provided upgrades that reduce or eliminate on-site stored fuel use for heating, cooking, or water heating, thereby lowering annual energy costs and potentially improving indoor air quality – to at least 30% of their identified "qualifying households" (low-income customers relying on on-site stored fuel, with inefficient appliances, and eligible for building envelope upgrades) by December 31, 2031, provided the State Corporation Commission (the Commission) deems these measures in the public interest. The bill also mandates that utilities consult with state departments to secure funding, report their progress and plans to the Commission annually starting January 1, 2028, and consider recommendations from a task force to improve access to energy efficiency programs for low-income customers. The Commission has discretion to offer incentives, adjust targets before 2030, and importantly, will not penalize utilities for failing to meet the 30% target.

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https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB72