Gov. Northam releases 2018 Virginia Energy Plan

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam released a blueprint for the state’s energy policy over the next 10 years that calls for modernizing and focuses on renewable energy generation, energy efficiency, and electric vehicles.

The 2018 Virginia Energy Plan builds upon the Grid Transformation and Security Act, which was signed into law earlier this year. Specifically, the plan calls for grid modernization, the deployment of 3,000 megawatts (MW) of solar and onshore wind by 2022, the implementation of 2,000 MW of offshore wind by 2028, and an investment of $115 million per year in energy efficiency programs by Virginia’s utilities.

“The clean energy sector has the power to create new business opportunities, expand customer access to renewable energy, and spark the high-demand jobs of the 21st century,” Northam said. “Virginia can shift to a more modern electric grid that is reliable, affordable, resilient, and environmentally responsible—and the commonwealth can lead this critical industry as a result. This plan sets an ambitious path forward for Virginia, and I am confident we will charge ahead towards progress over the course of my administration.”

The plan has the potential to create new jobs in the energy sector, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball said.

“This Energy Plan will help guide the Commonwealth to expand and diversify our energy resources while building upon the economic development potential of the industry,” Ball added.

The Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy (DMME), which is charged with developing the Virginia Energy Plan, made sure that every stakeholder and citizen had a say in Virginia’s energy future.

“We heard from hundreds of individuals on policy recommendations to increase access to solar and wind, energy efficiency, energy storage, and electric vehicles,” DMME Director John Warren said.