Governor, agency seek public input on development of Virginia Energy Plan

It’s time to replace the Virginia Vitality Plan (a course of that occurs each 4 years), so meaning it’s additionally time for individuals to submit their concepts and feedback to officers.

The Virginia Vitality Plan is a guiding doc that’s crafted inside the first yr of every governor’s administration and supplies a framework for power infrastructure within the state.

To solicit concepts, the Division of Vitality has hosted an internet discussion board since July 21.

Folks may also ship an electronic mail to energyplan@power.virginia.gov. There may be additionally an internet survey for stakeholders like native governments, organizations, companies, commerce teams, academia or advisory boards. Feedback are being accepted by Sept. 16.

This Wednesday from 2 p.m. to three p.m. there will likely be an info webinar concerning the Virginia Vitality Plan growth course of. individuals can register right here.

The 2018 Virginia Vitality Plan contained suggestions for renewable power. It’s unclear how a lot of a task renewable power will play within the 2022 plan, however “environmental stewardship” is listed amongst its aims.

Affordability, reliability, capability, competitors, environmental stewardship and innovation are listed as elements of how the plan will method power coverage. Different aims embrace reducing the price of dwelling, job creation, and “bringing individuals to Virginia.”

“We imagine power coverage isn’t about issues, it’s about individuals,” Gov. Glenn Youngkin mentioned in a press release. “How power is generated and delivered to Virginians and Virginia companies ought to accommodate the present and future wants of all Virginians.”

As of this story’s publication, greater than 50 individuals have  submitted feedback or strategies to the net discussion board. Environmental stewardship and affordability are an general theme from individuals who have already voiced their enter.

“Please put effectivity and lack of air pollution as your highest precedence,” wrote commenter John Surr.

“Clear air, clear water, clear power are a should,” mentioned an nameless commenter. “This can take a while as we’ve got achieved a lot injury, however to do nothing just isn’t an possibility. Every day, do what we are able to to make our power sources clear and inexpensive for all.”

The deal with renewable power comes as Congress not too long ago handed the Inflation Discount Act, which comprises environmental provisions that states can faucet into. In 2020, the Normal Meeting handed the Virginia Clear Financial system Act, which goals to section out the usage of fossil fuels.

One other commenter, Nicholas Gimbrone recommended Virginia’s “good steps” towards implementing photo voltaic and wind power, however famous that “the worth we pay for electrical energy at the moment is just too excessive.”

He wasn’t the one particular person to lament power costs. And a latest replace regarding Dominion Vitality, the state’s largest power producer, may imply larger payments are to be anticipated.

The State Company Fee not too long ago permitted an software for Dominion Vitality to get better income for its massive offshore wind undertaking by larger charges for purchasers in a brand new clause hooked up to their month-to-month payments.

Nevertheless, the SCC ordered Dominion to abide by a efficiency assure to guard customers from extra prices if the farm of 176 wind generators doesn’t carry out as the corporate predicts.

Helen, a Charlottesville resident who didn’t embrace her final title, famous how larger energy payments have an effect on lower-income households and instructed placing shopper protections into the plan.

“I hope we implement shopper safety with no matter power options we provide you with so odd Virginians aren’t those who’re having to pay further for brand new/higher types of power,” she wrote.