Both Houses Agree To Re-enactment Clause For Virginia Bill That Would Solidify 100% Renewable Exception For Competitive Retail Supply

Both Houses of the Virginia General Assembly have agreed to a re-enactment clause added to HB 868, the stand-alone bill addressing the current renewable electricity exemption for competitive electricity supply

As previously reported, HB 868 as originally passed by the House would allow customers to purchase 100% renewable electricity from a competitive retail supplier regardless of whether the incumbent utility offers a qualifying 100% renewable tariff. Currently, the exemption allowing all customers to take 100% renewable supply is only available if a utility does not offer a qualifying 100% green product

As previously reported, the Senate amended HB 868 to include a "re-enactment clause", which requires that the bill again pass the 2021 General Assembly before becoming law.

The re-enactment clause specifically states, "the provisions of this act shall not become effective unless reenacted by the 2021 Session of the General Assembly."

The House initially voted to reject the Senate's amendment, and the bill went to a conference committee

The conference committee recommended that the Senate amendment be adopted

The House has now voted to accept the conference report.

The Senate has also agreed to the conference report, a step before a final formal vote