Dominion Energy’s net metering proposal in Virginia
- Energy democracy & policy
Solar advocates in Virginia stepped up to defend solar this January!
Net metering, also known as fair crediting to solar, allows solar owners to get a credit on their electric bill for the excess energy they produce – and Virginia utilities have been coming for it.
Solar supporters joined together in August, and successfully pressured the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to block Appalachian Power Company (APCo)’s harmful proposal to cut net metering.
Advocates maintained this momentum to protect net metering in Dominion Energy territory too, submitting a record number of public comments in the SCC docket opposing Dominion’s attempts to weaken net metering!
Now, we are waiting to see if the SCC got the message. They are tasked to give a ruling anytime between now and May 2026.
Below, learn about your right to net metering, what could happen if Dominion Energy’s proposal to cut net metering passes, how solar supporters have been fighting back, and SUN’s next steps!
Support solar while we await the SCC’s decision.
The value of net metering
Imagine it’s a sunny afternoon and your solar panels are producing more energy than your home needs. The extra energy flows into the grid where it can be used by your neighbors. In return, your utility rewards you with credit on your electric bill that is equal to the current electricity market rate.
That’s net metering, a policy that rewards solar owners for sharing excess energy production with their neighbors.
Right now, Dominion territory offers a full retail rate (1:1 credit) of net metering over a 12-month netting period.
The current net metering policy provides a path to financial freedom amidst utility rate hikes and ongoing inflation. It helps solar owners maintain consistent bills throughout the year. Net metering savings also help more people access solar because it’s easier to make up the initial investment.
But net metering doesn’t just benefit solar owners. More solar energy flowing to the grid reduces energy costs for everyone. It reduces the need for utilities to build out expensive energy infrastructure, like peaker plants, gas pipelines, or transmission lines.
Dominion Energy’s proposal to cut net metering
Dominion wants to significantly reduce fair crediting to solar. Here’s the potentially devastating proposal:
- Cut solar credits by 32%. Dominion wants to reduce the net metering credit from $0.14/kWh to $0.095/kW, undervaluing solar and making it harder for solar owners to recoup their investment.
- Shorten the crediting period from 12 months to just 30 minutes. This change doesn’t give customers adequate time to get credit for producing more energy than they consume.
Brandon Praileau, Virginia Program Director at Solar United Neighbors, shares that this proposal, if passed, “would rob future solar owners of an opportunity to save on their energy cost,” as well as rob all Virginians of a way to hedge against rising energy costs.
Massive public support for net metering in Virginia
Our recent win against APCo proved that when we work together as a community, our voices get heard.
Solar supporters fought hard this winter to convince the SCC to protect net metering, often using our talking points to highlight the value of net metering to the grid and Commonwealth as a whole. On January 20 and 21, the SCC held an evidentiary hearing where they read public comments, heard in-person testimony from solar advocates, and heard expert witness testimony from intervenors, like SUN, and Dominion.
Supporters submitted 1,300 written public comments in the docket, a record amount, and over 50 people signed up for in person or telephonic testimony. Our phone banking volunteers helped make over 100 calls to spread the word and drive this historic surge in public engagement.
Now we wait as the SCC weighs all the evidence, comments, and testimony. They must publicize an order either accepting or rejecting Dominion’s proposal by May 1st, 2026. However, they could announce their decision anytime between now and then. To stay up to date about this and other critical campaigns at SUN, sign up here.
Watch the full explainer video here:
Get the latest on solar straight to your inbox.
Fight for your solar rights.
Everyone has the right to go solar. Spread the sunshine nationwide and in your local community by taking action, joining events, and more.