VA SB253

Extends the pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals from July 1, 2028 to July 1, 2038

Sets Phase II Utility funding at $156-204 million total for July 2026 through July 2038, with an annual minimum of $13 million; Phase I Utility funding set at $1-1.5 million annually

Caps tap line conversion costs at $900,000 average per mile and limits annual investment increases to 4% of distribution rate base for Phase II Utility petitions filed between July 2026 and March 2033

Requires Phase II Utilities to propose direct assignment of capacity procurement costs and distribution infrastructure financing costs to large customers (25+ megawatts demand, 75%+ load factor) in biennial review proceedings

Allows certain manufacturing, industrial, and warehousing customers with 200+ employees to elect to remain on existing rate schedules rather than migrate to high-load customer rates