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SB 1047

Demand response programs; Dept. of Energy to evaluate & assess benefits, and recommendations.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Danica Roem

SB 1047 would have mandated Virginia's Department of Energy study demand response program benefits and report recommendations, but the Governor vetoed it and the Senate lacked override votes.

Senate sustained Governor's veto
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Bill Summary · SB 1047

Legislative bill overview

SB 1047 would have required Virginia's Department of Energy to evaluate and assess the benefits of demand response programs—systems that incentivize consumers to reduce electricity usage during peak demand periods—and provide recommendations to the legislature. The bill passed the Virginia Senate but was vetoed by the Governor in March 2025, and the Senate did not have the votes to override the veto.

Why is this important

Demand response programs can reduce strain on electrical grids during peak hours, potentially lower energy costs for consumers, and decrease the need for expensive new power generation infrastructure. Understanding these programs' effectiveness and scalability is relevant as Virginia plans its energy infrastructure and responds to growing electricity demand.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and resource allocation: The fiscal impact statement raised concerns about the expense of conducting a comprehensive evaluation, questioning whether state resources should fund this study versus other priorities
  • Governor's concerns: The veto suggests the administration may have viewed the mandate as unnecessary bureaucratic expansion or disagreed with the policy direction
  • Implementation timeline: Unclear whether the evaluation's recommendations would have led to binding policy changes or remained advisory, affecting its practical value

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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