In its second annual clean energy filing with the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), Dominion Energy Virginia has proposed the largest group yet of new solar and energy storage projects in Virginia. The proposed projects are another significant step toward achieving the goals of the Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA).
The proposal includes 11 utility-scale solar projects, two small-scale distributed solar projects, one combined solar and storage project, and one stand-alone energy storage project, which will be owned and operated by Dominion Energy Virginia. The proposal also includes power purchase agreements (PPAs) from 32 solar and energy storage projects operated by third-party providers, which were selected through a competitive solicitation process. Once in operation, the projects will be able to provide more than 1,000 MW of carbon-free electricity.
“Every day, the clean energy economy is becoming more of a reality in Virginia,” states Ed Baine, president of Dominion Energy Virginia. “This is the largest expansion of solar and energy storage in Virginia history and a major leap forward in delivering clean energy to our customers. As we expand renewables across Virginia, we remain laser-focused on keeping our service affordable and reliable. These projects live up to that promise.”
Construction of the 15 utility-owned solar and energy storage projects is expected to generate more than $880 million in economic benefits across Virginia and will support nearly 4,200 clean energy jobs.
In addition to SCC approval, each of the proposed utility-owned projects will require local and state permits before construction may begin. The distributed solar projects and the stand-alone energy storage project are expected to be completed in 2022, with the remaining projects planned for completion in 2023.
If approved, the proposed projects will add approximately $1.13 to the typical residential customer’s monthly bill. Dominion Energy Virginia’s rates remain well below the national and east coast averages. In addition to providing clean energy for its customers, these projects will also aid Dominion Energy Virginia in meeting the goals of the VCEA’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which generally requires that 100% of its electricity sales in Virginia come from clean energy sources by 2045.
