2025 SESSION

INTRODUCED

25104543D

SENATE BILL NO. 1047

Offered January 8, 2025

Prefiled January 7, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 56-596.2:3, relating to electric utilities; demand response programs for certain customers.

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Patron—Roem

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Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 56-596.2:3 as follows:

§ 56-596.2:3. Demand response programs for certain customers.

Each investor-owned utility shall implement a demand response program under which any customer whose demand during the most recent calendar year was 25 megawatts or greater or whose anticipated annual demand is 25 megawatts or greater is required to participate. Each such utility shall petition the Commission for approval of its demand response program by January 1, 2026. Such petition shall include a reasonable timeline for the implementation of the program and participation by all customers described in this section. Any such demand response program shall (i) meet the minimum reliability and resource adequacy standards set by the regional transmission entity of which the utility is a member, (ii) reduce customers' energy consumption during the grid's emergency events or when called upon, (iii) not increase local air pollution through the use of fossil fuels generators, and (iv) be cost-effective. The Commission shall issue its final order regarding such petition within six months following the date of the filing.