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VA HB565

VA HB565
Electric utilities; renewable portfolio standard program, zero-carbon electricity, etc.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Electric utilities; renewable portfolio standard program; zero-carbon electricity; accelerated renewable energy buyers. Classifies zero-carbon electricity generating facilities that are not otherwise renewable portfolio standard (RPS) program eligible sources and that are placed into service in the Commonwealth after July 1, 2030, as RPS eligible sources. The bill permits an accelerated renewable energy buyer to contract to obtain bundled capacity, energy, and renewable energy certificates from solar, wind, or zero-carbon electricity generation located within the PJM region and placed in commercial operation on or before January 1, 2015, if investments to increase the maximum thermal power output of such facility occurred after January 1, 2015, or if a financial agreement for procurement of energy and capacity was entered into with such facility after January 1, 2015, to prevent the early retirement or decommissioning of such facility due to financial constraints.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Virginia's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) program, which requires electric utilities to source a certain percentage of their electricity from renewable or zero-carbon sources. Key changes include classifying zero-carbon electricity generating facilities that begin operation in Virginia after July 1, 2030, as eligible for the RPS program, and allowing "accelerated renewable energy buyers" – large commercial or industrial customers – to contract for renewable energy, including from older solar, wind, or zero-carbon facilities within the PJM region if those facilities have undergone significant upgrades or financial agreements after January 1, 2015, to prevent their early closure. The bill also makes specific provisions for how these accelerated buyers can offset their electricity load and be exempt from certain costs associated with the RPS program.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Left in Labor and Commerce (on 02/18/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB565
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB565) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1091302.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB565/text/HB565
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