State Corporation Commission; certificate of operation for high load facilities.
Should the bill pass, it would amend the Code of Virginia to implement stricter regulations on high load facilities to ensure they do not negatively affect existing electricity consumers or the electric grid's reliability. The SCC will need to consider factors such as environmental impacts, public resource consumption, and economic contributions during the certification process. These stipulations aim to ensure that high load facilities contribute positively while adhering to state energy and environmental policies.
House Bill 2027 proposes the establishment of a requirement for a certificate of operation for high load facilities within Virginia. These facilities are defined as those with an electricity demand of 100 megawatts or greater, which may either be newly constructed or undergo modifications to meet this threshold. The bill emphasizes the necessity for the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to evaluate various criteria before granting certificates, particularly concerning the facilities' effect on electric rates, service reliability, compliance with energy laws, and broader public interests.
The sentiment surrounding HB 2027 appears to favor increased regulation of high load facilities, as it aims to balance energy demands with environmental and economic considerations. Supporters argue that the bill helps manage the growing energy demands in the state while promoting a transition towards zero-carbon resources. However, there may be concerns from certain stakeholders about the regulatory burden this might impose on the development of new energy projects.
The bill introduces a framework that may face contention from various industry stakeholders. Notable points of contention might include the perceived restrictions on the energy sector's growth and the implementation of stringent operational prerequisites that could complicate project development timelines. Moreover, the requirement to prove zero-carbon sourcing by certain future dates may be viewed as ambitious, raising questions about grid reliance and energy availability, particularly as the electric grid adapts to changing demands.