Virginia Lawmakers Scramble to Address Soaring Energy Bills

Governor Spanberger and state legislators propose measures to help residents cope with rising costs.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Thousands of Virginians have seen their energy bills spike following an unusually cold start to the year, prompting the state government to take action. Governor Abigail Spanberger and state lawmakers are pushing several bills aimed at lowering residential energy costs, including measures to help low-income families weatherize their homes and make it easier for homeowners to install solar panels. However, experts warn that some of these solutions may take time to have a real impact, and the broader challenge facing Virginia is simply a lack of sufficient energy supply.

Why it matters

Rising energy costs have become a major concern for many Virginia residents, impacting household budgets and raising questions about the state's energy infrastructure and policies. The governor and state legislature are under pressure to provide relief, but the solutions being proposed come with their own challenges and limitations.

The details

One bill Spanberger referenced would create a plan to help qualified families weatherize their homes by 2034, targeting lower-income residents living in older homes. Another bill aims to make it easier for homeowners to install solar panels and get local support for solar energy. The bill that could have the quickest impact is one co-sponsored by Senator Louise Lucas (D-Chesapeake) and Dominion Energy, which would reduce residential costs next year while increasing rates for data centers.

  • Thousands of Virginians received higher January energy bills following an unusually cold start to the year.
  • The bills being considered by the state legislature are currently moving through the General Assembly.

The players

Governor Abigail Spanberger

The current governor of Virginia who is working with the state legislature to address rising energy costs.

Senator Louise Lucas

A Democratic state senator from Chesapeake who co-sponsored a bill with Dominion Energy to reduce residential energy costs.

Dominion Energy

A major utility company in Virginia that is working with state lawmakers on legislation to address energy costs.

Dr. Bob Holsworth

A CBS 6 Political Analyst who provided expert analysis on the challenges facing Virginia's energy landscape.

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What they’re saying

“When you ask the people what really impacts them the most, typically, what they've always said would be food and gas. But now they are talking about things like energy.”

— Dr. Bob Holsworth, CBS 6 Political Analyst (wtvr.com)

“As Governor, I've worked with the general assembly to have priority bills focused on lowering cost, and energy. Those bills so far have been moving through the general assembly.”

— Governor Abigail Spanberger (wtvr.com)

“The biggest bill right now, however, is one that reduces residential costs next year at the same time it would increase the costs and rate that data centers are going to pay. So we are going to have to see what happens to that bill, but it's the one bill that really next year is going to reduce costs for residents.”

— Dr. Bob Holsworth, CBS 6 Political Analyst (wtvr.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

While the state government is taking steps to address the rising energy costs, the broader challenge facing Virginia is a lack of sufficient energy supply. The solutions being proposed, such as increased investment in energy storage technology, come with their own costs that will ultimately be passed on to ratepayers.