VA SB651

Expands Virginia's underground transmission line pilot program from two to four qualifying projects, now including new 500-kilovolt transmission lines (previously limited to 230 kilovolts or less) proposed for construction between January 1, 2025, and July 1, 2033

Requires localities to pay at least 50% of the marginal cost difference between underground and overhead construction for transmission line portions placed underground within their boundaries

Authorizes localities to impose an additional levy on electric utility customers by ordinance to fund their share of underground transmission costs, separate from existing utility consumer tax limits

Allows localities to withdraw from approved projects within 30 days of a final Commission order by filing notice and rescinding their resolution of support, which would remove the project from the pilot program

Permits localities to acquire rights-of-way adjacent to approved underground transmission routes for co-locating other public utilities, with proceeds applicable toward their cost obligations