Virginia's Energy Plan

Virginia Energy Sense is one (albeit important) part of the Commonwealth’s energy policy.

State law says it is the policy of Virginia to:

• Ensure the availability of reliable energy supplies at reasonable costs
• Establish sufficient infrastructure to support energy needs
• Use resources efficiently and facilitate energy conservation
• Facilitate development of Virginia’s low-cost resources, including clean coal and natural gas
• Facilitate development of less polluting energy sources
• Foster energy research and development
• Address environmental protection with energy facilities.

The 2010 Virginia Energy Plan, updated in July 2010 by the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy, added three more goals:

1. Make Virginia the Energy Capital of the East Coast by:
   1. Growing traditional and alternative energy production, jobs and investment in Virginia
   2. Increasing the use of conservation and efficiency in Virginia’s homes and businesses and support the establishment and expansion of energy efficiency businesses.
2. Expand public education about Virginia’s energy production and consumption, its effect on our economy, and how Virginians can use energy more efficiently.
3. Maximize the investment in clean energy research and development through the work of the Universities Clean Energy Development and Economic Stimulus Foundation.

Virginia Energy Sense will help the state achieve these goals. Through our efforts and our partners, we will educate Virginians about their energy use and choices, creating smarter energy users at home, at work and at school.

LINKS

Virginia’s energy policy objectives (approved by the General Assembly in 2007)

Text of legislation creating Virginia Energy Sense

SCC’s Plan for Virginia Energy Sense (as submited to the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation)