The Department of Mines Minerals and Energy (DMME) is updating the energy plan for the Commonwealth. The 2018 Virginia Energy Plan is intended to provide a strategic vision for the energy policy of the Commonwealth over the next 10 years. This plan is being developed in accordance with Chapter 2 of Title 67 of the Code of Virginia. Per the statute, the DMME is tasked with submitting the Plan to the Governor, the State Corporation Commission and the General Assembly by October 1, 2018.

The Plan is required to propose actions that are consistent with the Commonwealth’s Energy Objectives (Va. Code § 67-101) and that will implement the Commonwealth’s Energy Policy (Va. Code § 67-102). The Code also requires the Plan to include:

• Projections of energy consumption;
• Analysis of the adequacy of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution resources;
• Analysis of siting requirements for generation, transition, and distribution resources;
• Analysis of fuel diversity for electricity generation;
• Analysis of efficient use of energy resources and conservation initiatives;
• Analysis of how Virginia-specific issues relate to regional initiatives;
• Analysis of whether there is a disproportionate adverse impact on economically disadvantaged or minority communities;
• Analysis of the costs and benefits of federal regulation under § 111(d) of the Clean Air Act; and
• Recommendations for legislative, regulatory, and other public and private actions. 

Updates on the Plan will be posted to the web and on DMME’s social media channels. The stakeholder process includes a 60-day written comment period, in-person public listening sessions and a series of facilitated stakeholder discussions.  See this link for additional information and a schedule of opportunities for public input:  https://www.dmme.virginia.gov/de/VirginiaEnergyPlan.shtml