SCC Approves Shared Solar Programs for Dominion Energy Virginia Customers

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved two programs that allow customers of Dominion Energy Virginia the opportunity to participate in shared solar initiatives. Under a shared solar program, a customer purchases a subscription for a certain amount of the kilowatt-hour (kWh) electricity produced by a solar facility.

During the 2020 session of the Virginia General Assembly, legislation was enacted directing the SCC to establish a multi-family shared program (Code § 56-585.1:12) and a separate shared solar program (Code § 56-594.3).

In Case Number PUR-2020-00124, the SCC approved the multi-family shared solar program for Dominion customers. Under this program, the solar facility is located on or adjacent to a multi-family dwelling (such as an apartment complex). Customers in that multi-family dwelling can subscribe to a portion of the kWh output of the solar facility located next to the dwelling. Customers receive a credit on their utility bill, based on Dominion's full retail rate, for the kWh amount of the customer's shared solar subscription.

In Case Number PUR-2020-00125, the Commission issued an order confirming its prior approval of a separate shared solar program. Under this program, the solar facility can be located anywhere in Dominion's territory, and customers of Dominion can subscribe to a portion of the kWh output of this solar facility regardless of the customer's location.

These customers also receive a credit on their utility bill, based on Dominion's full retail rate, for the kWh amount of the customer's shared solar subscription. In addition, because Dominion still delivers the solar facility's kWh to these customers, the statute creating this Shared Solar Program directs the Commission "to ensure [these] customers pay a fair share of the costs of providing electric services." (Code § 56-594.3 D)

Thus, customers in this program also pay for costs to deliver the solar facility's kWh to the customer. Finally, as also required by statute, low-income customers that participate in this Shared Solar Program are exempted from paying these kWh delivery charges.

Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2020-00124 – In the matter of establishing regulations for a multi-family shared solar program pursuant to § 56-585.1:12 of the Code of Virginia
Case Number PUR-2020-00125 – In the matter of establishing regulations for a shared program pursuant to § 56-594.3 of the Code of Virginia