The Virginia Common Meeting has formally handed laws that will considerably develop the Commonwealth’s shared photo voltaic packages, unlocking new alternatives to decrease electrical energy payments and strengthen reliability. These payments handed with bipartisan assist and can now be offered to Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger for motion.
The laws contains SB 254 and HB 807, sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Rip Sullivan, which apply to Dominion Power’s service territory, in addition to SB 255 and HB 809, additionally sponsored by Sen. Surovell and Del. Sullivan, which handle Appalachian Energy Firm (APCo) territory. Collectively, the payments construct on the success of Virginia’s present shared photo voltaic packages by increasing capability, bettering certainty for patrons and builders, and guaranteeing these packages can play a significant position in addressing rising power prices and rising electrical energy demand.
“Shared photo voltaic has already confirmed itself as one of many quickest, most cost-effective methods to ship actual financial savings to Virginians,” stated Sen. Surovell. “These payments are about scaling what works — giving extra households entry to reasonably priced energy whereas strengthening reliability and maintaining funding right here in Virginia.”
Virginia’s shared photo voltaic (neighborhood photo voltaic) packages are presently capped at pilot-scale ranges and have been totally subscribed, leaving clients and tasks on waitlists regardless of sturdy demand. In Dominion territory, the unique 200-MW program has been totally awarded throughout 52 tasks, serving tens of 1000’s of consumers. In APCo territory, the 50-MW program launched in 2025 and was oversubscribed nearly instantly.
The Dominion payments (SB 254/HB 807) would require the discharge of an extra 525 MW of shared photo voltaic capability by July 1, 2026, together with a devoted portion for low-income subscribers, whereas establishing a transparent, predictable course of for future program growth overseen by the State Company Fee (SCC). As soon as a portion of that capability reaches substantial completion, the SCC would provoke a continuing to judge further allocations and program design.
The APCo payments (SB 255/HB 809) would enhance buyer participation by establishing consolidated billing, or internet crediting, aligning APCo’s program with finest practices already in place elsewhere within the state. The laws additionally lays the groundwork for future capability releases to fulfill sturdy curiosity in Southwest Virginia, the place many counties have expressed curiosity in internet hosting shared photo voltaic tasks.
“Affordability is entrance and heart for Virginians proper now, and shared photo voltaic delivers quick, assured invoice financial savings whereas benefiting all ratepayers,” stated Del. Sullivan. “These payments present certainty, transparency, and a accountable path ahead so shared photo voltaic might help meet the Commonwealth’s rising power wants.”
Thus far, shared photo voltaic saves taking part clients 10% or extra on their month-to-month electrical energy payments — roughly $175 per 12 months — whereas additionally delivering system-wide advantages by lowering the necessity for pricey technology, transmission and distribution investments. A third-party analysis of expanded shared photo voltaic in Virginia discovered $64 million in internet advantages within the first two years alone and greater than $2.4 billion in internet advantages over 25 years, with financial savings accruing to all utility clients, whether or not or not they immediately subscribe.
“Virginia is going through unprecedented load progress and rising power prices, and shared photo voltaic is likely one of the most sensible instruments obtainable to reply rapidly and affordably,” stated Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic Director on the Coalition for Neighborhood Photo voltaic Entry. “These payments acknowledge that shared photo voltaic is way from a pilot idea — it’s a confirmed answer that may ship decrease payments, native jobs, and grid advantages at scale.”
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