Virginia 2025 Regular Session

Virginia Senate Bill SB823

Introduced
12/31/24  
Refer
12/31/24  
Report Pass
1/13/25  
Engrossed
1/16/25  
Refer
2/4/25  
Report Pass
2/13/25  
Enrolled
2/20/25  

Caption

Electric utilities; construction of renewable energy facilities.

Impact

The primary impact of SB823 will be a transformation of the state's energy landscape as it accelerates the transition from fossil fuel-based generation to renewable resources. Utilities are required to retire coal-fired electric generating units by specified dates, which signifies a critical shift toward cleaner energy. Moreover, the bill's provisions to enhance energy storage capabilities are intended to improve the reliability and performance of the electric grid, particularly as renewable energy becomes a larger part of the energy mix.

Summary

Senate Bill 823 aims to advance the generation of electricity from renewable and zero-carbon sources within the Commonwealth. The bill establishes ambitious targets for electric utilities, mandating them to procure significant amounts of energy derived from solar and wind resources by set deadlines. Utilities must submit annual plans for developing new renewable energy capacities and actively participate in competitive procurement processes, thereby encouraging economic development and job creation in the renewable sector.

Sentiment

The sentiment regarding SB823 has shown a predominance of support among environmental advocates and renewable energy proponents who view this legislation as a necessary step toward achieving energy sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. However, concerns have been raised by some industry stakeholders about the feasibility of meeting the aggressive targets set forth in the bill and the potential economic impacts on current fossil fuel operations.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding SB823 include debates on the rapid retirement of existing coal and oil plants and the adequacy of the timeline to implement these changes without disrupting the energy supply. Additionally, some legislators and stakeholders express reservations about the capacity of current technologies and workforce development to meet the demands of such an ambitious transition, raising questions about the long-term reliability and security of the electric service.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA HB397

Electric utilities; development of renewable energy facilities, etc.

VA HB2026

Renewable energy; biomass-fired facilities, Department of Forestry advisory panel, report.

VA SB1231

Renewable energy; biomass-fired facilities, Department of Forestry advisory panel, report.

VA HB638

Electric utilities; energy efficiency programs, duty to implement the Energy Policy, etc.

VA SB230

Electric utilities; energy efficiency programs, duty to implement the Energy Policy, etc.

VA HB2305

Electric utilities, certain; proposed facilities were subject to competitive procurement, etc.

VA HB2311

Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act; eligible sources for renewable energy.

VA SB578

Electric utilities; offshore wind generation facilities, competitive procurement process.

VA HB2197

Va. Electric Utility Regulation Act; eligible sources for renewable energy portfolio standard prog.

VA HB2130

Renewable energy portfolio standard requirements; SCC may initiate proceedings, report.

Similar Bills

VA HB1883

Electric utilities; renewable energy portfolio standard program requirements.

VA SB1040

Electric utilities; renewable energy portfolio standard program requirements.

VA SB1091

Electric utilities; renewable energy standard eligible sources.

VA HB2197

Electric utilities; renewable energy standard eligible sources.

VA SB902

Electric utilities; renewable portfolio standard program, deficiency payments.

VA HB1934

Electric utilities; generation of electricity from renewable and zero carbon sources.

VA SB1192

Electric utilities; generation of electricity from renewable and zero carbon sources.

VA HB2780

Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act; definitions.