Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 779: Electric utilities; installation of small portable solar generation devices, local regulation.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 779 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Electric utilities; installation of small portable solar generation devices, local regulation. Primary sponsor: Delores Oates (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Counties, Cities and Towns.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices; local regulation; Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. Permits any electric utility customer to own and operate a small portable solar generation device, defined in the bill as a nationally certified, plug-in solar photovoltaic device with a maximum power output of no more than 1,200 watts that is not designed to be interconnected with the electric grid and is intended primarily to offset part of the customer's electricity consumption, provided that such customer has submitted notice to its incumbent investor-owned utility, municipal utility, or electric cooperative. The bill prohibits an investor-owned utility, municipal utility, or electric cooperative from imposing interconnection requirements, charging any fee related to the device, or requiring that the customer obtain the utility's approval before installing or using the device. Under the bill, no electric utility or electric cooperative shall be liable for damage or injury caused by a small portable solar generation device. The bill also restricts (i) localities from prohibiting the use of a small portable solar generation device on a residential structure, provided that certain requirements are met, and (ii) landlords owning more than four rental dwelling units from prohibiting a tenant from installing a small portable solar generation device on the exterior of the tenant's premises, provided that reasonable restrictions may be established concerning size, manner, and placement.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delores Oates | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 31 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Counties, Cities and Towns
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (6-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #3
- Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB779)
- Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105182D