VirginiaHB22026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report.

Sponsored By: Mark D. Sickles (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Phase I and Phase II Utilities; energy efficiency upgrades; low-income residents; report. States that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to reduce, wherever feasible and cost-effective, heating-related costs of living for low-income residents. The bill requires Dominion Energy Virginia and Appalachian Power to make best, reasonable efforts to provide by December 31, 2031, prescriptive efficiency measures, as defined in the bill, and related efficiency improvements to at least 30 percent of the qualifying households, as defined in the bill, identified by such utilities, provided that the State Corporation Commission determines that such measures and improvements are in the public interest. The bill requires such utilities to report to the Commission its activities, plans, and filings regarding the bill's provisions no later than January 1, 2028, annually thereafter, and in any recurring filing that the Commission deems appropriate. The bill also requires that Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power make reasonable efforts to incorporate recommendations or feedback provided by the task force that evaluates barriers to access and enrollment in programs for income-qualified energy customers. This bill is identical to SB 72.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

More home energy upgrades for low income

The law requires Phase I and Phase II electric utilities to offer set efficiency upgrades in their next income- and age-qualified filings, subject to Commission approval. Utilities install these measures for qualifying homes they expect will lower total annual heating costs and cut onsite air pollution. Utilities or their agents identify qualifying homes using credible energy and cost data. By December 31, 2031, each utility must make best efforts to serve at least 30% of the qualifying homes it identified, or a cap: 2,000 for a Phase I utility and 8,400 for a Phase II utility, whichever is less. Low-income means income no more than 60% of the state median, or 80% of the local median, or 200% of the federal poverty level, whichever is greater. A qualifying home relies on delivered and stored fuel for heat, cooking, or hot water, has appliances under 83% efficiency, and is eligible for or has received building-envelope upgrades.

More support to deliver low-income upgrades

The housing department (DHCD) makes its low-income energy programs available to support utility programs. Utilities must consult the state Department of Energy (DOE) and DHCD to use state or federal funds when possible to lower program costs. Utilities must also try to follow task force recommendations that reduce sign-up barriers and improve coordination across utility, state, and federal programs. The plan covers single-family, multifamily, and manufactured homes.

Utility reporting, incentives, flexible targets

By January 1, 2028, and every year after, each utility reports its plans and progress to the Commission. At least every three years, they file updated, aggregated data on bill and energy savings, and studies must include a 75% customer-awareness scenario. The Commission can offer performance-based incentives, including credit for measures installed before January 1, 2030. Before January 1, 2030, the Commission can decide if the targets are feasible and change them. The Commission cannot penalize a utility for missing the statutory targets.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mark D. Sickles

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 245 • No: 112

Senate vote 4/22/2026

Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 21 • No: 17

House vote 4/22/2026

House concurred in Governor's recommendation

Yes: 64 • No: 35

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 24 • No: 16

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Reported from Commerce and Labor

Yes: 8 • No: 6

House vote 1/28/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 65 • No: 30

House vote 1/22/2026

Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute

Yes: 16 • No: 6

House vote 1/20/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 7 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 17-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026Senate
  2. House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 35-N 0-A)

    4/22/2026House
  3. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1030)

    4/22/2026Governor
  4. Reenrolled bill text (HB2ER2)

    4/22/2026House
  5. Reenrolled

    4/22/2026House
  6. Approved by Governor-Chapter 1030 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/22/2026Governor
  7. Signed by President

    4/22/2026Senate
  8. Signed by Speaker

    4/22/2026House
  9. Governor's recommendation adopted

    4/22/2026Governor
  10. Governor's recommendation received by House

    4/13/2026Governor
  11. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  12. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  13. Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB2)

    3/5/2026House
  14. Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB2)

    3/5/2026House
  15. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB2ER)

    3/3/2026House
  16. Enrolled

    3/3/2026House
  17. Signed by President

    3/3/2026Senate
  18. Signed by Speaker

    3/3/2026House
  19. Passed Senate (24-Y 16-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  20. Read third time

    2/26/2026Senate
  21. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/25/2026Senate
  22. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  23. Rules suspended

    2/25/2026Senate
  24. Reported from Commerce and Labor (8-Y 6-N)

    2/23/2026Senate
  25. Fiscal Impact statement From SCC (2/10/2026 2:53 pm)

    2/10/2026House

Bill Text

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