VirginiaSB2492026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Electric utilities; definitions, integrated resource plans, report.

Sponsored By: Scott A. Surovell (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Electric utilities; integrated resource plans. Makes various changes related to the content and process for an integrated resource plan (IRP) developed by an electric utility that provides a forecast of its load obligations and a plan to meet those obligations. The bill (i) extends the planning timeframe from 15 to 20 years; (ii) requires Appalachian Power to file an IRP by removing an exception from the definition of "electric utility"; (iii) changes the frequency with which a utility is required to file an IRP from biennially to triennially; (iv) requires utilities to consider the use of grid-enhancing technologies as alternatives to new transmission infrastructure, and when new transmission lines are envisioned, to provide the reasons grid-enhancing technologies are not sufficient to defer or eliminate the need for new transmission infrastructure; and (v) requires utilities to consider the use of surplus interconnection service, as defined in the bill, to add new electric generation projects and energy storage resources to the grid.The bill requires that the current stakeholder review process for integrated resource plans be facilitated by a third-party facilitator selected by the State Corporation Commission and compensated by the utility. The bill requires, as part of the stakeholder review process, the utility to provide stakeholders with reasonable access to the same modeling software, modeling assumptions, modeling inputs, and data used by the utility to evaluate supply and demand resources in its integrated resource plan to enable stakeholders to create modeling scenarios for the utility's consideration during the development of its integrated resource plan.The bill requires the State Corporation Commission to (a) establish guidelines that ensure that utilities develop comprehensive integrated resource plans and provide meaningful public engagement and maximum transparency during the planning process; (b) conduct a proceeding by July 1, 2027, and at least once every five years thereafter, to identify and review each of its existing orders relevant to integrated resource plans to determine if such orders remain necessary and effective and are not overly burdensome; and (c) convene a work group to make recommendations on the required guidelines.As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation. This bill is identical to HB 429.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More public input and clear plan deadlines

The Commission sets statewide rules and formats for resource plans. A work group reports by March 1, 2027, and the Commission issues IRP regulations by September 1, 2027. Utilities hold a yearly stakeholder process led by an independent facilitator; stakeholders get access to modeling tools and can submit scenarios by June 1, with confidentiality if needed. The Commission must decide within nine months after a filing if a plan is reasonable. Starting in 2027 (Phase II) and 2028 (Phase I), utilities file updated plans by October 15 before rate reviews; utilities not on annual review also file October 15 updates after January 1, 2024 with revised forecasts and inputs. Plans now cover 20 years. By July 1, 2027 and at least every five years, the Commission reviews old IRP orders and trims what is no longer needed.

Stronger utility plans for cleaner, lower-cost power

The law toughens what must be in each long‑term utility plan. Each plan picks one preferred portfolio that uses a social cost of carbon and meets renewable and retirement rules. Plans must also show least‑cost options using reputable long‑term cost data. All scenarios must meet state energy‑savings targets, and at least one goes further using tools like efficiency upgrades, dynamic pricing, storage, grid upgrades, virtual power plants, and managed EV charging. Plans must include energy storage for reliability, assess grid‑enhancing tech and advanced conductors (or explain why not), and explain any caps on new technologies. Utilities can use unused interconnection capacity to speed new generation or storage.

Advance notice on power plant retirements

Utilities that own CO2‑emitting plants must study and report expected retirement timing and the reasons. They include the study in their plan and send results to local governments and listed state agencies when they file. Plants that trigger Virginia’s detailed retirement‑notice law must also follow those extra disclosure rules.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Scott A. Surovell

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 286 • No: 150

House vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by House

Yes: 63 • No: 34

Senate vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by Senate

Yes: 20 • No: 18

Senate vote 3/12/2026

House substitute rejected by Senate

Yes: 0 • No: 40

Senate vote 3/12/2026

Senate acceded to request Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

House vote 3/11/2026

Passed House with substitute

Yes: 66 • No: 32 • Other: 1

House vote 3/5/2026

Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute

Yes: 19 • No: 2

House vote 3/3/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 8 • No: 1

Senate vote 2/13/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 18

Senate vote 2/12/2026

Committee substitute agreed to (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/9/2026

Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute

Yes: 9 • No: 5

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0608)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 608 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB249)

    4/6/2026Senate
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026Senate
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB249ER)

    3/30/2026Senate
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026Senate
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB249)

    3/24/2026Senate
  11. Conference report agreed to by Senate (20-Y 18-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026Senate
  12. Conference report agreed to by House (63-Y 34-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026House
  13. Conference Report released

    3/14/2026
  14. Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB249)

    3/12/2026Senate
  15. House Conferees: LeVere Bolling, Shin, O'Quinn

    3/12/2026House
  16. Conferees appointed by House

    3/12/2026House
  17. Senate acceded to request Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026Senate
  18. House requested conference committee

    3/12/2026House
  19. House insisted on substitute

    3/12/2026House
  20. House substitute rejected by Senate (0-Y 40-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026Senate
  21. Senate acceded to request

    3/12/2026Senate
  22. Conferees appointed by Senate

    3/12/2026Senate
  23. Senate Conferees: Surovell, Bagby, Stanley

    3/12/2026Senate
  24. Passed House with substitute (66-Y 32-N 1-A)

    3/11/2026House
  25. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    3/11/2026House

Bill Text

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