RICHMOND, VA — Today, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Community Energy Act (HB 2346/SB 1100) into law. The new law directs Dominion Energy to launch a 450-megawatt virtual power plant pilot, allowing homes and businesses to aggregate solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, and smart devices into a flexible grid resource that can reduce peak demand, lower electricity costs, and improve grid reliability. 

“Virtual power plants are a win for Virginia households,” said Jim Purekal, Director at Advanced Energy United. “By tapping into the energy resources already in our homes and neighborhoods, this new law will help Virginia build a more resilient, flexible grid — one that’s better prepared for extreme weather and growing demand. This is a practical, commonsense step that allows homeowners and businesses to be part of the solution and uses the tools we already have to make our grid more efficient and affordable. It’s a clear example of smart energy policy in action.” 

Virginia now joins a growing number of states investing in community-powered energy solutions to modernize the grid. Advanced Energy United applauds the General Assembly and Governor for supporting this smart, forward-looking policy.