VA SB487

Authorizes Virginia electric cooperatives to establish virtual power plant programs starting January 1, 2027, without State Corporation Commission approval, requiring only board of directors approval and an informational filing

Defines virtual power plants as aggregations of distributed energy resources (up to 5 megawatts each) that are coordinated to provide grid services such as capacity, energy, or ancillary support

Requires eligible technologies to be carbon-free, including battery storage, smart thermostats, and managed electric vehicle charging systems

Mandates cooperatives evaluate federal funding opportunities and conduct competitive solicitations for battery storage devices if offering purchase incentives to residential customers

Requires increased incentives for customers in historically economically disadvantaged communities and establishes customer protections including limits on annual grid events, event duration caps, and opt-out provisions