Governor signs landmark clean energy legislation, expanding shared solar and energy affordability

RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger has signed bipartisan legislation that significantly expands Virginia’s shared solar programs while delivering lower electricity bills and a more reliable grid for families and businesses statewide.

The legislation was sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Rip Sullivan and passed with bipartisan support in the Virginia General Assembly.

Dominion Energy territory (SB 254 / HB 807): Virginia’s original 200-megawatt shared solar program has been fully awarded across 52 projects, serving tens of thousands of customers and leaving additional projects and subscribers on waitlists. The signed legislation requires the release of 525 megawatts of new shared solar capacity by July 1, 2026, including a dedicated portion for low-income subscribers, and establishes a clear, predictable process for future program expansion overseen by the State Corporation Commission (SCC).

Appalachian Power territory (SB 255 / HB 809): APCo’s 50-megawatt shared solar program launched in 2025 and was oversubscribed almost immediately. The signed legislation improves customer participation by establishing consolidated billing, aligning APCo’s program with best practices already in place elsewhere in the state, and lays the groundwork for future capacity releases to meet strong demand across Southwest Virginia, including the release of an additional 50 megawatts of capacity by July 1, 2026 and another 50 megawatts by January 1, 2028.

Shared solar already saves participating customers 10% or more on their monthly electricity bills — roughly $175 per year — while delivering system-wide benefits by reducing the need for costly generation, transmission, and distribution investments. A third-party analysis of expanded shared solar (based on 2 GW of new capacity) in Virginia found $64 million in net benefits in the first two years alone and more than $2.4 billion in net benefits over 25 years, with savings accruing to all utility customers whether or not they directly subscribe.

“Governor Spanberger has shown that affordability and local clean energy go hand in hand — and today’s signings are proof,” said Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic Director at CCSA. “By expanding shared solar into both Dominion and Appalachian Power territories, Virginia is building an energy system that works for every ratepayer, not just those who can afford rooftop panels. We are grateful for the Governor’s leadership and for the legislators who fought to get this across the finish line.”

Governor Spanberger has been a consistent champion for ratepayer protections and affordability, including joining a bipartisan coalition of governors in pushing PJM Interconnection — the operator of the nation’s largest electric grid — to prioritize affordability and ensure data centers pay their fair share for the energy infrastructure they require.

Taken together, these bills represent one of the most comprehensive state-level clean energy packages of 2026 and position Virginia as a national leader in distributed energy policy — without new taxes or subsidies.

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