Advanced Energy Perspectives

Last month, elected leaders in the Old Dominion crowed as CNBC crowned Virginia “The Best State for Business” in the United States. Here is what you might not know. Not only is Virginia a good place for business in general, it is a good place for advanced energy businesses – and workers – in particular. As shown by AEE’s new Virginia employment fact sheet, more than 100,000 people in the Commonwealth are employed in the industry. That is more people than are employed in every hospital across the Commonwealth, and over twice as many as work in Virginia’s real estate sector. And advanced energy employers say there are lots more Virginia jobs on the way this year.

For years, Virginia’s leading investor-owned utility, Dominion, has lagged behind its peers when it comes to investments in energy efficiency (EE). According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE), in 2017 Dominion ranked 50th out of 51 large utilities in EE, narrowly avoiding last place. Those days may be at an end following a stunning decision by the Commonwealth’s State Corporation Commission (SCC) earlier this month approving in full the programs – and budget – for greatly expanded efficiency investments for homes and businesses.

Penalty flags litter the political gridiron in Virginia, as revelations and allegations involving the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Attorney General have rocked Richmond. But for the Commonwealth’s General Assembly, it’s halftime. Reaching the midpoint of the short, 46-day legislative session last week means we arrived at “crossover.” Crossover is the juncture at which legislation in one chamber must be voted out and sent to the other chamber or it is benched for the year. So here is a halftime report on advanced energy legislation in Virginia – what bills are still in the game, and which have been sent to the locker room.

Step-by-step, Virginia is moving closer to establishing a carbon trading market. That’s good news for advanced energy and the Commonwealth’s economy.

Earlier this month, Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) wrapped up a public comment period on its proposed CO₂ Budget Trading Program. Under this regulation, fossil-fired generators with a capacity equal to or greater than 25 megawatts (MW) would be issued permits and required to meet mitigation targets, either through reducing emissions or procuring additional permits. This regulation will help make Virginia’s energy more secure, clean, and affordable while reducing emissions and bolstering the state’s economy – central goals of Virginia AEE.

The 2018 legislative session of the Virginia General Assembly ended Saturday, capping a two-month sprint that included breakthrough legislation that will accelerate renewable energy development and energy efficiency investment in the Commonwealth, with AEE engaged all the way. But the legislature left behind some unfinished business: while much ink has covered the Assembly’s inability to pass a budget, lawmakers also failed to reach consensus on appointing a new member of the State Corporation Commission (SCC), which has potential implications for Virginia’s advanced energy future.

Here is a look back at the progress we have made, and ahead to unfinished business, as we work to build a greater presence in the Commonwealth and expand the market for advanced energy companies.