WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 109

Electric utilities; regional transmission entities, annual report.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rip Sullivan

HB 109 mandates Virginia electric utilities file annual reports on regional transmission entity participation costs and governance to increase state oversight of multi-state grid coordination.

Left in Commerce and Labor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 109

Legislative bill overview

HB 109 requires Virginia's electric utilities to submit annual reports detailing their participation in regional transmission entities (RTEs)—organizations that coordinate electricity transmission across multi-state areas. The bill mandates disclosure of costs, benefits, governance structures, and operational decisions related to RTE membership.

Why is this important

Regional transmission entities significantly influence electricity pricing, grid reliability, and renewable energy integration across large geographic areas. Transparency requirements allow Virginia policymakers and the public to assess whether RTE participation serves state interests and to evaluate the cost-benefit relationship of multi-state coordination versus independent state control over Virginia's power grid.

Potential points of contention

  • Utility compliance burden: Annual reporting requirements add administrative costs that utilities may pass to ratepayers, though the scope of required information remains undefined
  • Competitive sensitivity: Utilities may argue that detailed RTE participation reports could expose proprietary business strategies or competitive disadvantages to other states
  • Authority questions: Unclear whether Virginia can effectively leverage reported information to modify RTE participation if deemed unfavorable, since RTEs operate under federal FERC jurisdiction
  • Lobbying concerns: Utilities operating in multiple RTEs may prefer minimal transparency to avoid regulatory pressure across different state jurisdictions

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

Sign in to ask a question.