Virginia is lighting the way toward a brighter, cleaner energy future as state lawmakers prepare to introduce ambitious legislation that will significantly expand solar battery storage capacity across the commonwealth.

Delegate Rip Sullivan of Fairfax, one of the original champions behind Virginia's groundbreaking Clean Economy Act, is bringing forward innovative bills that will increase the state's investment in cutting-edge battery storage technology. Working alongside Senator Lamont Bagby of Richmond, these forward-thinking legislators are addressing one of renewable energy's key challenges: making solar power available whenever it's needed, not just when the sun is shining.

"Virginia should be leading, not trailing," Sullivan enthusiastically declared, capturing the spirit of progress driving these initiatives.

The proposed legislation would substantially increase the battery storage capacity that major utilities like Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power Company must develop by 2036. Currently, Dominion is tasked with implementing 2,700 megawatts of battery storage, while Appalachian Power Company is working toward 400 megawatts. The new bills aim to push these numbers significantly higher, positioning Virginia as a national leader in renewable energy infrastructure.

What makes this particularly exciting for Virginia residents is the potential for cost savings. These advanced battery systems can store solar energy generated during off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper, then dispatch that power during high-demand periods. Sullivan emphasized that battery storage is actually more cost-effective than building new fossil fuel plants or even small nuclear reactors, with the added benefit of being deployed much faster.

"The numbers are clear," Sullivan explained. "The levelized cost of storage is way below any other form of generation of power."

The legislation also includes smart safeguards, directing the State Corporation Commission to evaluate projects for cost-effectiveness and ensure safety measures align with national standards, giving residents confidence that their interests are protected.

Dominion Energy is already demonstrating its commitment to this clean energy vision, recently petitioning for its largest-ever investment in solar and battery storage projects—11 initiatives totaling over $2.9 billion. This represents a massive vote of confidence in renewable technology and Virginia's economic future.

In a complementary move, Delegate Phil Hernandez of Norfolk is filing legislation to maximize existing infrastructure. His bill would identify underutilized transmission lines at current power plants where solar panels and battery storage could be added, making the system more efficient and bringing more renewable energy online without building entirely new infrastructure.

John Zahurancik from Fluence, an Arlington-based battery storage company, highlighted the wisdom of this approach: "We can use the assets that we have, like the transmission system, much more efficiently."

As battery storage technology becomes increasingly affordable and mainstream, Virginia is positioning itself at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. These bills represent more than just policy changes—they're investments in cleaner air, innovative technology, and a sustainable future for generations of Virginians to come.

The legislative session begins January 14, marking the start of what promises to be an exciting chapter in Virginia's energy transformation story.