My name is Kevin Cianfarini and I'm commenting in favor of HB 889 on behalf of Climate Changemakers RVA. In order to move affordable clean energy around our electricity grid so that we can serve customers in a cost-effective manner, Virginia will need more electricity transmission. Part of the reason electricity transmission infrastructure is so difficult and expensive to build is because of right of way acquisition. Colocating transmission along existing rights of way, like along highways, removes an entire category of project delays and expenses, thus allowing more affordable and clean energy to be delivered to customers. In an age of steeply rising electricity rates, Virginia needs to act. Transmission colocation along existing rights of way is a proven policy that's been in practice for decades in other states like Wisconsin (2003 Wisconsin Act 89), and more recently in states like Minnesota and Colorado.

Thank you for considering this bill and for your continued service to our great state. I am writing in support of HB889. The cost of living is on the top of many Americans' minds. One area where costs are expected to increase substantially is through electricity demand. This is especially a concern as Virginian's see the rapid expansion of data centers in our communities. According to a report from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (December 2024) demand for power in Virginia is expected to double within the next 10 years. Massive investment in infrastructure is required to accommodate the rapid increase in demand and consumers are concerned they will ultimately be the ones to bear the cost. We must find ways to avoid unnecessarily increasing the cost of developing our infrastructure. One way other states have sought to reduce barriers to building transmission lines is by co-locating them with existing infrastructure like highways. By co-locating transmission lines with existing highways we can build infrastructure where it is needed most, faster, while minimizing the impact of construction on our communities. This is a common sense solution that can help make it easier to avoid having to negotiate infrastructure with property owners, and to make Virginia's economy competitive. This is only one part to mitigating increases in the cost of living, but by making smart choices we can reduce the impact felt by consumers. Thank you for your attention, and I hope you will support this bill.