Virginia VGRIP — r3 awards, undergrounding bills, VPP pilot, 150 MW BESS online, new grid efficiency metrics deadline
Key Questions
What funding was awarded in VGRIP round 3?
VGRIP round 3 awarded $1.24 million for rural battery energy storage systems and virtual power plant projects. This funding supports clean energy infrastructure development in rural Virginia areas.
What is the new deadline for utilities to file grid efficiency metrics in Virginia?
Virginia has set an October 2026 deadline for the state's largest electric utilities to file grid efficiency metrics. The metrics must include storage, distributed generation, and virtual power plants in their analysis to improve grid performance evaluation.
What recent energy storage and VPP developments are highlighted in Virginia?
A 150 MW/600 MWh BESS, the largest in the state and PJM, has come online. A Community Energy Act VPP pilot is also launching with Dominion proposing a 450 MW target, while Governor Spanberger signed strategic undergrounding bills.
VGRIP round 3 awarded $1.24M for rural BESS/VPP. Governor Spanberger signed strategic undergrounding bills; seeking public input for 2026 Energy Plan (deadline July 31). 150 MW/600 MWh BESS online (largest in state and PJM). Community Energy Act VPP pilot launching with Dominion proposing 450 MW target. New: Virginia sets October 2026 deadline for utilities to file grid efficiency metrics, including storage, distributed generation, and VPPs in efficiency analysis. Data center transmission cost allocation debates (MARL line) underscore need for targeted state programs.