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SB 1100

Virtual power plant pilot program; each Phase II Utility shall petition SCC for approval to conduct.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Ghazala Hashmi

Virginia Phase II utilities must seek State Corporation Commission approval to operate virtual power plant pilot programs aggregating distributed energy resources.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0712)
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Bill Summary · SB 1100

Legislative bill overview

SB 1100 requires Phase II Utilities in Virginia to petition the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for approval to conduct virtual power plant (VPP) pilot programs. Virtual power plants aggregate distributed energy resources—such as rooftop solar, batteries, and flexible loads—to operate collectively as a single power source, enhancing grid flexibility and resilience.

Why is this important

This legislation positions Virginia utilities to modernize grid infrastructure by leveraging distributed energy resources, potentially improving system reliability, reducing peak demand, and lowering electricity costs. VPP pilots can provide critical data on integrating residential and commercial renewable energy into the broader grid while testing demand response mechanisms that could benefit consumers and the power system.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory Burden: Utilities may argue that mandated petitions for pilot programs create administrative costs and delay innovation in distributed energy management.
  • Consumer Data and Privacy: VPP operations require monitoring household energy consumption patterns, raising concerns about data collection, usage, and protection standards.
  • Cost Allocation: Unclear whether pilot program costs fall on participating consumers, all ratepayers, or utilities—potentially creating equity issues if benefits don't proportionally reach cost-bearers.

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

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