Bill > HB1379

This bill requires the State Corporation Commission to create rules for how electric utilities connect "high-demand customers" to the power grid, defining a high-demand customer as one needing at least 60 megawatts of electricity. These rules aim to encourage economic growth in Virginia while ensuring the electric grid remains reliable and avoiding unnecessary costs for infrastructure that might not be used. Key provisions include requiring new high-demand customers to install on-site backup power sources that can meet at least 50% of their peak electricity needs, and existing high-demand customers to have backup power capable of meeting 20% of their peak demand by January 1, 2032. The rules will also establish when utilities can ask these customers to use their backup power or reduce their electricity use during emergencies, provide a way for customers to get exemptions if installing backup power is technically impossible, and allow the Commission to access utility data to ensure compliance, with this data being kept confidential.

Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1379