RICHMOND, VA — Yesterday, Governor Spanberger signed five bipartisan bills first passed out of the House of Delegates that aim to lower the cost of energy for everyday Virginians. Through promoting a more reliable, modern, and affordable energy system, supporting infrastructure expansion, encouraging innovative technologies, improving grid resilience, and protecting consumers from rising costs, these bills collectively take a major stride towards building an Affordable Virginia.
“High utility bills are straining the bank accounts of hardworking Virginians and preventing families from being able to live and thrive in the Commonwealth,” said the Virginia House Democratic Caucus. “With these bipartisan bills signed into law, we are closer to creating an Affordable Virginia.”
“The bills signed into law yesterday encourage efficient and reliable energy solutions,” said Delegate David Reid, Patron of HB369 and HB562. “With these laws in place, we’re ensuring utility bills not only drop immediately, but stay low into the future.”
“Governor Spanberger has signed a series of bills that deliver on the promise of affordability for all Virginians,” said Delegate Irene Shin, Patron of HB889, HB1191, and HB1225. “These bills ensure that we are modernizing our infrastructure while expanding transparency into regulatory processes — all while protecting residential ratepayers and everyday working families from risky utility practices.”
Governor Spanberger signed the following bills into law to address Virginians’ high energy costs:
- HB369 (Delegate David Reid) — Encouraging investment in cutting-edge energy technology, like fusion and nuclear. Passed with bipartisan support.
- HB562 (Delegate David Reid) — Encouraging electric co-operatives to provide more reliable power for customers and help ease demand on the grid. Passed with bipartisan support.
- HB889 (Delegate Irene Shin) — Streamlining permitting of new high-voltage transmission infrastructure in existing utility and highway corridors. Passed with bipartisan support.
- HB1191 (Delegate Irene Shin) — Permitting high energy use customers to invest in new energy infrastructure while protecting ratepayers from increased costs. Passed unanimously.
- HB1225 (Delegate Irene Shin) — Supporting the development of electric vehicle charging stations to expand access and reliability. Passed with bipartisan support.