Bill > HB434

This bill requires major electric utilities, specifically Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power (referred to as Phase I and Phase II Utilities), to propose specific measurements, known as "grid utilization metrics," to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) by October 15, 2026, for approval. These metrics will assess how efficiently the utilities are using their existing electric grid infrastructure, comparing current performance to optimal use, and will include specific calculations like load-to-capacity ratios and electricity loss percentages. The SCC will then decide which metrics to approve and how they should be applied and reported, potentially influencing future decisions on utility cost recovery for infrastructure investments. Furthermore, the SCC will include its findings on these metrics and an analysis of how utilities can improve grid utilization, particularly through "non-wires alternatives" (like energy storage, distributed generation, and virtual power plants), in its annual report to the Governor and the General Assembly.