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Bill

HB 369

Electric utilities; renewable portfolio standard program, zero-carbon electricity, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Karen Keys-Gamarra and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia bill requiring utilities to increase renewable and zero-carbon electricity sourcing under expanding portfolio standards, advancing climate goals while raising cost and grid reliability concerns.

Committee substitute printed 26108329D-S1
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Bill Summary · HB 369

Legislative bill overview

HB 369 modifies Virginia's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) program by establishing requirements for electric utilities to source increasing percentages of electricity from renewable and zero-carbon energy sources. The bill advances the state's clean energy standards with specific compliance timelines and likely includes penalties or alternative compliance mechanisms for utilities that fail to meet targets.

Why is this important

Virginia's electricity grid currently relies significantly on fossil fuels, and this bill would accelerate the transition to cleaner energy sources, affecting both utility operations and consumer energy costs. The policy has implications for Virginia's carbon emissions goals, utility investment strategies, job creation in renewable sectors, and electricity rate structures for residential and commercial customers.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Higher compliance costs for utilities may be passed to ratepayers through increased electricity bills, disproportionately affecting lower-income households
  • Grid reliability concerns: Rapid renewable integration without adequate storage infrastructure or dispatchable backup capacity could create reliability challenges, particularly during peak demand periods
  • Utility economic impact: Coal and natural gas utilities face stranded asset risks and reduced profitability, potentially affecting worker employment in traditional energy sectors and utility shareholder returns

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

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