Bill > SB371

This bill mandates that electric utilities, specifically Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power (referred to as "Phase I and Phase II Utilities"), must propose voluntary "demand flexibility programs" for "high energy demand customers" – defined as customers using 25 megawatts or more of electricity with a high annual load factor – by January 15, 2027, with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to approve them by November 30, 2027. These programs aim to reduce electricity usage during peak demand times or shift it to off-peak periods, thereby saving costs and improving grid reliability. The SCC will consider various methods for achieving this flexibility, including customer curtailment, using energy storage, or purchasing "capacity reduction credits" from other customers who reduce their usage. Carbon-emitting resources will be ineligible for these programs. Cooperatives serving high energy demand customers must also establish similar voluntary programs by January 1, 2029, after consulting with technical work groups. Dominion and Appalachian Power will report on their program's progress every three years, and the SCC will include a summary of all such programs' status and performance in its annual reports starting in 2028. The bill also specifies that any incentives for customer participation should not unfairly burden other customers and that accelerated interconnection for participating customers may be allowed if grid reliability is maintained.

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https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB371