HB 945: Geothermal energy; Dept. of Energy to study, SCC to establish requirements for high energy users.

Official summary

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

Department of Energy to study geothermal energy; State Corporation Commission proceeding to establish geothermal energy requirements for high energy users. Directs the Department of Energy to conduct a study on geothermal electric generating resources and geothermal heating and cooling systems in the Commonwealth and submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the State Corporation Commission by July 1, 2027. The bill also directs the State Corporation Commission to initiate a proceeding by September 30, 2027, to establish requirements for high energy users to utilize standardized amounts of capacity from geothermal electric generating resources and geothermal heating and cooling systems, as informed by the study submitted by the Department of Energy. The bill defines "high energy user" as a retail electric service customer of a utility regulated by the Commission with a consistent demand of 100 megawatts, but the Commission is permitted to adjust the megawatt size threshold for high energy users as determined by the Commission to be appropriate to manage electric demand in the Commonwealth through the use of geothermal energy.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“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 18, 2026Left in Committee Rules
2. January 23, 2026Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 0-N)
3. January 22, 2026Assigned HRUL sub: Studies Subcommittee
4. January 13, 2026Referred to Committee on Rules
5. January 13, 2026Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104051D