Virginia Senate Bill SB659

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/19/22
• Refer: 1/19/22

Caption

Shared solar programs for electric utilities; pilot program.

Impact

The proposed bill impacts state laws by mandating that utilities facilitate shared solar programs that offer equitable access to renewable energy resources. It aims to ensure that low-income customers can benefit from solar energy solutions without financial barriers, thus promoting energy equity. Utilities are required to adopt rules that create shared solar facilities and define subscriber participation rates while ensuring reasonable recovery of interconnection costs.

Summary

SB659 is a legislative bill focused on establishing shared solar programs for electric utilities in Virginia. The bill aims to create a framework that allows customers, including low-income individuals and organizations, to participate in shared solar facilities. These facilities generate electricity through solar photovoltaic devices and can significantly contribute to the state's renewable energy goals. Each utility will implement a shared solar facility program that includes specific capacity limits and a requirement for a minimum percentage of subscriptions to come from low-income customers.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding SB659 relates to how utilities will implement these shared solar programs. Opponents may argue that mandating capacity and low-income participation rates could lead to operational and financial challenges for utilities, particularly smaller ones. Additionally, the effectiveness of such programs in genuinely assisting low-income customers and ensuring fair billing practices remains a subject of debate. Proponents highlight that this initiative is vital for expanding access to renewable resources and addressing energy affordability.