VA SB448

Requires the Virginia Department of Energy to develop model ordinances for local regulation of energy storage projects by December 1, 2026, with updates every three years, incorporating NFPA 855 safety standards and guidance on different storage technologies.

Establishes a stakeholder work group to advise on model ordinance development, including representatives from environmental agencies, localities, agricultural organizations, clean energy trade associations, utilities, and project engineers.

Amends State Corporation Commission authority to explicitly include permitting of energy storage resource facilities alongside electric generating facilities, applying the same environmental review and public convenience standards.

Maintains existing renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirements for Phase I and Phase II utilities, targeting 100% renewable energy by 2050 and 2045 respectively, with specific annual percentage escalations and source eligibility criteria.

Requires utilities to retire coal-fired and large oil-fired generating units by December 31, 2024, and all carbon-emitting units by December 31, 2045, with Commission authority to grant reliability-based exemptions.