HB 2755: Underground transmission lines; qualifying projects.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Pilot program for underground  transmission lines; qualifying projects. Authorizes the State Corporation Commission to, in reviewing any application submitted by a public utility for a certificate of public convenience and necessity for the construction of an electrical transmission line of 500 kilovolts filed between January 2025 and July 2032, approve up to two applications for qualifying projects to be constructed in whole or in part underground as part of the pilot program for underground transmission lines and to provide an expedited review of any such application. The bill removes certain provisions related to the existing pilot program. Under the bill, a project shall be qualified if an engineering analysis demonstrates that it is technically feasible, if the applicant provides an overall cost of the project and its impact on electric service rates, and if the governing body of each locality in which a portion of the proposed line will be placed underground indicates support for the transmission line to be placed underground. The bill permits the Commission to deny an application for a project that otherwise meets the criteria to qualify, provided that the Commission shares its rationale for doing so. Additionally, rather than assigning certain costs to be recovered by Virginia jurisdictional customers, the bill requires that such costs be allocated by the Commission in a manner that is just and reasonable for customers.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. February 17, 2025Failed to report (defeated) in Commerce and Labor (6-Y 8-N)
2. February 17, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB2755)
3. February 5, 2025Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
4. February 5, 2025Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
5. February 4, 2025Read third time and passed House (49-Y 48-N)
6. February 3, 2025Engrossed by House - committee substitute
7. February 3, 2025Labor and Commerce Substitute agreed to
8. February 3, 2025Read second time
9. February 2, 2025Read first time
10. January 31, 2025Committee substitute printed 25106431D-H1
11. January 30, 2025Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (12-Y 9-N)
12. January 30, 2025Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (3-Y 2-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 17 actions. Full history