Dominion to propose Virginia community solar programs

Dive Brief:

Dominion Energy Virginia is preparing to launch community solar programs that will allow all residential and business customers to access renewable energy as part of a $15 billion investment plan to boost reliability and clean energy.
Dominion said it will file program options with the Virginia State Corporation Commission by early 2018, and will include a 100% renewable energy option for residential and small commercial and industrial customers.
The utility said it would soon seek a request for proposals for solar projects to support these programs. Earlier this year, Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) signed clean energy legislation establishing a community solar pilot project.

Dive Insight:

There is still much work to be done in developing Dominion's community solar program, but the utility wants customers — particularly those who cannot or do not want to install panels — to know it is working on the option.

"Some customers may live in apartments or in other rental properties, or may not be in a position to invest in solar panels," Paul Koonce, president and CEO of Dominion Energy Power Generation, said in a statement. "And for businesses, it may be a matter of not having enough rooftop space or not being in a position to make a large capital investment right now."

The new solar resources will help meet Dominion Energy Virginia's long-term plans. The utility's Integrated Resource Plan calls for at least another 5,200 MW of new solar generation by 2042.

Dominion said its community solar program would allow for the purchase of community-based generation for a portion of the customer's energy usage from new solar facilities installed in the company's Virginia service area. The programs will include a 100% renewable energy option.

"While program details are being finalized, we want customers to know that we are working on creative solutions to empower them with the best options to go solar," Koonce said. The utility will soon seek proposals from community solar project developers.

Dominion has invested nearly $1 billion in the last two years to add large-scale universal solar generation serving customers in Virginia and North Carolina. The company said it has 27 solar facilities totaling 444 MW in operation or under construction in Virginia.