Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB2442

Introduced

1/8/25

Refer

1/8/25

Caption

Public utilities; certificate of convenience and necessity.

Impact

If passed, HB2442 would revise how public utility projects are managed within Virginia, particularly concerning the construction of transmission lines of 138 kilovolts and above. The legislation would allow utilities to either obtain a certificate from the Commission or secure local approval per zoning laws. This dual-path approach is designed to streamline the regulatory process while still holding public utilities accountable to both state and local standards. However, the bill also implies that if a certificate is issued by the Commission, it supersedes local zoning ordinances related to the project, potentially limiting local authority in regulating utility infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 2442 aims to amend the provisions regarding the certificate of convenience and necessity for public utilities in Virginia. It specifically addresses the requirements for public utilities to construct or acquire new facilities, including extensions or improvements, to ensure they meet standards for public convenience and necessity. A public utility must obtain a certificate from the Commission before proceeding with the construction of facilities, which includes a necessary hearing and notice to interested parties. The bill places additional requirements on large transmission lines, requiring compliance with local zoning ordinances.

Contention

The changes proposed in HB2442 may prompt debates about the balance between state control and local governance, particularly for communities that could be affected by new utility projects. Supporters of the bill argue that it will simplify the approval process for essential infrastructure by reducing bureaucratic delays and creating a more uniform application of standards across the state. In contrast, critics may contend that such centralization undermines local governments' ability to protect their communities from unwanted developments and may potentially lead to localized issues being overlooked in favor of broader state objectives.