The incredible energy demands of the data center industry are a big reason why electric bills are on the rise in Virginia, with just one of these energy-hungry facilities using the same energy as a small city.
Virginia has the highest concentration of data centers in the world and more than any other state, and ratepayers in Virginia in large part have been subsidizing the costs to power these facilities.
This legislation tasks the State Corporation Commission with developing a first-of-its-kind and nation-leading demand flexibility program for data centers that will reduce strain on our grid and cut energy costs for Virginians.
Under this type of program, data centers would be required to shift energy load to other facilities or temporarily delay certain operations during times of peak demand or grid strain.
Demand flexibility programs have the potential to provide cost savings and avoid costly new electricity infrastructure.
HB284 passed unanimously in the House while SB371 passed the Senate on a bipartisan vote of 27-12. The bills were signed into law by Gov. Spanberger.