2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100165D

SENATE BILL NO. 467

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-2209.4 and by adding a section numbered 56-580.1, relating to high load facilities; impact assessments.

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Patron—Deeds

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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 in Article 1 of Chapter 22 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-2209.4 and by adding a section numbered 56-580.1 as follows:

§ 15.2-2209.4. High load facility; impact assessment.

A. As used in this section, "high load facility" means a proposed facility or a combination of facilities that effectively operate together as one facility with an expected electricity demand that exceeds 90 megawatts.

B. No governing body or board of zoning appeals shall issue final approval for any special exception, special use permit, variance, rezoning application, or other land disturbing permit, including building permits and erosion and sediment control permits, for a high load facility until the applicant submits a finding of no impact or minimal impact issued by the State Corporation Commission in accordance with the provisions of § 56-580.1.

§ 56-580.1. High load facilities; impact assessment.

A. As used in this section, "high load facility" means a proposed facility or a combination of facilities that effectively operate together as one facility with an expected electricity demand that exceeds 90 megawatts.

B. In a form and manner and with such information as determined by the Commission, the owner or operator of a high load facility may request an assessment of the impact of its high load facility from the Commission. Upon receipt of a complete request, the Commission shall assess whether the high load facility will have a material adverse impact upon the incumbent electric utility's ability to (i) to maintain electric grid reliability, (ii) avoid exceeding available generation or transmission capacity constraints, or (iii) meet its obligations under § 56-585.5. The Commission shall issue its findings within 120 days of receipt of a complete request unless the Commission determines a longer period is required.

C. The owner or operator of a high load facility may request a subsequent impact assessment if there is a material change in the facts and circumstances surrounding its facility or the incumbent electric utility.