Bills would scale proven programs in Dominion and Appalachian Power territories to meet rising demand and affordability challenges
Richmond, VA — The Virginia General Assembly has officially passed legislation that would significantly expand the Commonwealth’s shared solar programs, unlocking new opportunities to lower electricity bills and strengthen reliability. These bills, which bring locally generated power to more families, businesses, and communities across the Commonwealth, passed with bipartisan support and will now be presented to Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger for action.
The legislation includes SB 254 and HB 807, sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell and Delegate Rip Sullivan, which apply to Dominion Energy’s service territory, as well as SB 255 and HB 809, also sponsored by Sen. Surovell and Del. Sullivan, which address Appalachian Power Company (APCo) territory. Together, the bills build on the success of Virginia’s existing shared solar programs by expanding capacity, improving certainty for customers and developers, and ensuring these programs can play a meaningful role in addressing rising energy costs and growing electricity demand.
“Shared solar has already proven itself as one of the fastest, most cost-effective ways to deliver real savings to Virginians,” said Sen. Scott Surovell, sponsor of the legislation. “These bills are about scaling what works—giving more families access to affordable power while strengthening reliability and keeping investment here in Virginia.”
Virginia’s shared solar programs are currently capped at pilot-scale levels and have been fully subscribed, leaving customers and projects on waitlists despite strong demand. In Dominion territory, the original 200-megawatt program has been fully awarded across 52 projects, serving tens of thousands of customers. In APCo territory, the 50-megawatt program launched in 2025 and was oversubscribed almost immediately.
The Dominion bills (SB 254 / HB 807) would require the release of an additional 525 megawatts of shared solar capacity by July 1, 2026, including a dedicated portion for low-income subscribers, while establishing a clear, predictable process for future program expansion overseen by the State Corporation Commission (SCC). Once a portion of that capacity reaches substantial completion, the SCC would initiate a proceeding to evaluate additional allocations and program design.
The APCo bills (SB 255 / HB 809) would improve customer participation by establishing consolidated billing, or net crediting, aligning APCo’s program with best practices already in place elsewhere in the state. The legislation also lays the groundwork for future capacity releases to meet strong interest in Southwest Virginia, where many counties have expressed interest in hosting shared solar projects.
“Affordability is front and center for Virginians right now, and shared solar delivers immediate, guaranteed bill savings while benefiting all ratepayers,” said Del. Rip Sullivan, sponsor of the House legislation. “These bills provide certainty, transparency, and a responsible path forward so shared solar can help meet the Commonwealth’s growing energy needs.”
To date, shared solar saves participating customers 10 percent or more on their monthly electricity bills—roughly $175 per year—while also delivering system-wide benefits by reducing the need for costly generation, transmission, and distribution investments. A third-party analysis of expanded shared solar 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.
“Virginia is facing unprecedented load growth and rising energy costs, and shared solar is one of the most practical tools available to respond quickly and affordably,” said Charlie Coggeshall, Mid-Atlantic Director at the Coalition for Community Solar Access. “These bills recognize that shared solar is far from a pilot concept—it’s a proven solution that can deliver lower bills, local jobs, and grid benefits at scale.”
Shared solar projects, also known as community solar projects, are typically small- to mid-sized facilities located on farmland, rooftops, brownfields, and other underutilized sites. They can be deployed faster than traditional utility-scale generation, support local economic development, and provide landowners with stable, long-term revenue while preserving working lands.
With strong demand across both utility territories, advocates say the legislation represents a critical step toward ensuring shared solar can help Virginia meet its affordability, reliability, and economic development goals—without new taxes or subsidies.
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About CCSA
CCSA is a national trade association representing over 125 community solar developers, businesses, and nonprofits. Together, we are building the electric grid of the future where every customer has the freedom to support the generation of clean, local solar energy to power their lives. Through legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the support of a diverse coalition — including advocates for competition, clean energy, ratepayers, landowners, farmers, and environmental justice — we enable policies that unlock the potential of distributed energy resources, starting with community solar. For more information, visit https://www.communitysolaraccess.org and follow the group on X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and Youtube.