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HB 1487

Underground transmission lines; pilot program, clarifies qualifying projects, report.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Liz Guzmán and 4 co-sponsors

Virginia pilot program places electric transmission lines underground in select areas while defining project eligibility and requiring performance reporting on costs and outcomes.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 863 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 1487

Legislative bill overview

HB 1487 establishes a pilot program in Virginia to place electric transmission lines underground rather than overhead, while clarifying which projects qualify for the program and requiring reporting on outcomes. The bill aims to address aesthetic, environmental, and safety concerns associated with traditional overhead power lines in selected areas.

Why is this important

Underground transmission lines reduce visual impact on landscapes, can improve resilience to weather-related outages, and may enhance public safety by eliminating overhead hazards. However, this infrastructure choice carries significant cost implications that ultimately affect electricity rates and project feasibility, making the pilot program's data collection critical for future policy decisions.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Underground transmission is substantially more expensive than overhead lines (often 3-10 times higher), raising questions about which ratepayers bear these costs and whether savings justify the expense
  • Project eligibility criteria: The "clarification" of qualifying projects may become contentious depending on whether criteria favor certain regions, utility companies, or development types over others
  • Implementation timeline and scope: The scale and geographic location of pilot projects will determine whether results are broadly applicable or represent limited, potentially non-representative scenarios

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

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