Virginia House Bill HB832

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Electric utilities; shared solar programs.

Impact

One notable aspect of HB 832 is its provision for at least 30% of the capacity of shared solar facilities to be allocated to low-income customers. This provision is significant as it seeks to enhance equity in renewable energy access, allowing individuals and households that might otherwise face barriers to participate in solar energy generation. The bill further requires the creation of conditions for public-private partnerships that prioritize clean energy goals and provide opportunities for underserved communities to engage in solar energy programs.

Summary

House Bill 832 establishes a framework for shared solar programs in the Commonwealth, aimed at encouraging the use of solar energy by allowing utility customers to subscribe to solar facilities rather than installing solar equipment on their own properties. This bill mandates that utility companies provide bill credits to subscribers based on their portion of the electricity produced by a shared solar facility. The framework stipulates that these credits are applicable against monthly utility bills, promoting accessibility to solar energy for all customer classes, including low-income households.

Contention

While the bill aims to support renewable energy efforts, some points of contention may arise around the implementation and administration of the shared solar programs. These include concerns over the operational costs and the administrative processes involved in tracking subscribers and bill credits. Additionally, there may be debate regarding the effectiveness of the bill in ensuring that low-income households actually benefit from these solar programs, particularly in light of how well the utility companies administer the credits and how transparent the processes are for customers interested in subscribing.