Electrical generating facilities; capacity factor, report.
The implementation of HB 2376 is set to influence the operations of electrical generating facilities across Virginia, as compliance will necessitate adjustments in tracking and reporting energy outputs. This bill aims to provide the state with comprehensive data on electricity generation, which could be vital for energy policy formulation and assessment. By compiling this information annually and publishing it, the bill encourages better planning and facilitates an understanding of energy production trends within the Commonwealth.
House Bill 2376 introduces amendments to the Code of Virginia by adding a new section that mandates electrical generating facilities with a nameplate capacity of at least one megawatt to report their capacity factors annually. The bill requires facility owners to submit a report to the Commission each year by January 30, detailing the amount of electricity generated and the corresponding capacity factor for each month of the previous year. This legislative move aims to enhance transparency and accountability regarding the operational efficiency of electrical generating facilities within the state.
Notable points of contention may arise concerning the regulatory burden placed on facility owners, particularly smaller operators who may find the reporting requirements challenging to meet. There could also be debates over how the reported data is utilized at the state level, including concerns about privacy and the competitive implications of publicizing operational outputs. Advocates argue that the benefits of increased transparency in energy production outweigh these challenges, while opponents may push back on the perceived regulatory encumbrance.