VA HJR44

Requests the State Corporation Commission's Division of Public Utility Regulation to study the undergrounding of electrical transmission lines in Virginia

Study must evaluate potential benefits and costs of constructing transmission lines underground (in whole or in part) and identify options for streamlining permitting and approval processes

Division must consult stakeholders including local governments, PJM Interconnection, electric utilities, and technical experts

Study prompted by anticipated doubling of electricity demand in Virginia over the next 10 years, driven primarily by data center industry growth

Report and executive summary due to the Governor and General Assembly by the first day of the 2027 Regular Session, with meetings completed by November 30, 2026