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HB 1079

Electric utilities; SCC to conduct and review an all-source competitive procurement.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Webert

Virginia would require utilities to competitively bid all energy resources through the SCC, introducing market-based procurement instead of traditional utility planning methods.

Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB1079)
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Bill Summary · HB 1079

Legislative bill overview

HB 1079 requires Virginia's State Corporation Commission (SCC) to conduct and oversee an all-source competitive procurement process for electric utilities. This means utilities would be required to competitively bid energy resources—including renewables, fossil fuels, and other sources—rather than relying solely on internal generation or traditional procurement methods. The bill aims to introduce market competition into utility resource planning.

Why is this important

Electric utility procurement directly affects electricity rates, grid reliability, and energy policy outcomes for millions of Virginia consumers. Competitive procurement can potentially lower costs through market forces but may also create complexity in grid planning and raise concerns about long-term reliability and investment in infrastructure. This represents a significant shift in how Virginia utilities acquire power resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Whether competitive bidding reduces rates or creates inefficiencies and higher transaction costs remains debatable; utilities may argue it increases administrative burden and planning uncertainty
  • Grid reliability and investment: Critics may worry that competitive procurement discourages long-term utility investments in grid modernization and resilience, while proponents argue it ensures efficient resource allocation
  • Renewable energy targets: The bill's interaction with Virginia's existing clean energy goals is unclear—competitive procurement might prioritize cost over emissions reduction unless carefully structured

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

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