Bill > HB1065

This bill directs electric utilities, specifically "Phase I Utility" and "Phase II Utility" (defined by Virginia law as certain electric companies), to assess their existing and planned intermittent electric generation facilities, such as solar farms, to identify any "surplus interconnection service." This surplus refers to unused capacity at a point where a generation facility connects to the electric grid, meaning additional energy can be sent without exceeding the total allowed capacity. The utilities must report their findings, including specific locations where this surplus capacity can be utilized, to the State Corporation Commission (the Commission) by January 1, 2027. Following this assessment, Phase I utilities will establish a pilot program for 100 megawatts and Phase II utilities for 500 megawatts to develop energy storage resources or solar generation facilities that use this surplus capacity. The Commission will oversee this pilot program, approving an independent auditor to help formulate and review proposals for projects that utilize surplus interconnection service, with results submitted by the utilities in 2027. The bill also clarifies that "capacity interconnection rights" are permissions to connect generation facilities to the grid and transmit a specific amount of power, and an "interconnection agreement" is a contract for this connection.

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https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1065