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HB 1184

Electric utilities; retirement of certain electric generating units.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jason Ballard and 30 co-sponsors

Bill establishes procedures for Virginia electric utilities to retire generating units, affecting worker transitions, ratepayer costs, and state energy infrastructure modernization timelines.

Left in Labor and Commerce
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Bill Summary · HB 1184

Legislative bill overview

HB 1184 addresses the retirement and decommissioning of electric generating units operated by utilities in Virginia. The bill, sponsored by five Republican delegates, establishes procedures and requirements for how electric utilities must handle the closure of certain power plants. It has been referred to the Committee on Labor and Commerce and received a fiscal impact statement from the State Corporation Commission.

Why is this important

The retirement of coal and older fossil fuel plants represents a significant transition in Virginia's energy infrastructure, affecting utility costs, employment, and the state's ability to meet renewable energy targets. How these retirements are managed impacts both ratepayers through potential rate increases and workers in fossil fuel industries through job displacement. The State Corporation Commission's fiscal assessment suggests the bill has measurable budget or rate implications.

Potential points of contention

  • Worker protections and transition assistance: Whether the bill adequately addresses job losses for utility workers and coal industry employees, or if it prioritizes cost control over worker support
  • Ratepayer impact: Whether utilities can pass retirement costs and stranded asset expenses to consumers, potentially raising electric bills
  • Timeline and economic feasibility: Disagreement over whether proposed retirement schedules are economically realistic for utilities or whether they're too slow for climate goals

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

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