Virginia House Bill HB766

Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/13/26

Caption

Electrical generating facilities; capacity factor, report.

Impact

The implications of HB766 are significant for energy regulation and oversight in Virginia. By requiring the collection and publishing of performance data regarding capacity factors, the bill aims to enhance accountability among electricity producers. This could potentially inform consumers, regulators, and policymakers about the efficiency and output reliability of various generating facilities, which is vital for energy planning and policy-making.

Summary

House Bill 766 introduces new reporting requirements for electrical generating facilities in Virginia. Specifically, it mandates that any facility with a nameplate capacity of at least one megawatt must report its monthly electricity production and capacity factor to the Commission by January 30 of each year. The capacity factor is defined as the ratio of the actual output of a facility to its potential output. This yearly report is intended to provide transparency on the performance of significant electrical generating facilities operating in the state.

Contention

Although no specific points of contention are highlighted in the current text of HB766, the bill touches on broader themes of energy regulation and accountability that often provoke debate. Stakeholders in the energy sector may have differing views regarding the extent of state oversight versus market autonomy. Proponents might argue that transparency requirements encourage competition and operational improvements among energy providers, while critics could see it as an unnecessary regulatory burden that may stifle innovation or place undue pressure on smaller facilities.