Virginia Commission on Electric Utility Regulation gives the green light to solar siting 

RICHMOND, VA – The Commonwealth’s first energy legislation of the year successfully passed out of the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation (CEUR) today. The proposed legislation refines the approval process for solar and battery storage projects of at least 20 MW, or 2 MW if it’s located on previously disturbed land, and located within three miles of an interconnection point. The draft proposal is designed to balance the needs of local communities with Virginia’s growing demand for renewable energy, ensuring a more efficient path to cleaner, more affordable power. 

“This is a smart, balanced approach to scaling clean energy.,” said Jim Purekal, director at Advanced Energy United, who spoke to the commission on the benefits of the proposal. “By creating a more efficient approval process, we can ensure local voices are heard while addressing the barriers that have delayed or stopped critical projects. Solar and battery storage developers will benefit from reduced uncertainty, enabling projects to move forward with greater confidence.” 

The draft legislative proposal, which establishes the Virginia Energy Facility Review Board, passed by majority and now heads to the General Assembly for consideration.