We SUPPORT HB1604 and HB 2267 to reinstate proper SCC oversight authority in rate review for utility monopolies. We OPPOSE strongly HB1770 with grave concerns in way they shift to biennial review schedule (only one 12-month test year vs. two) ; and delays of plant retirements that could slow down progress to transition to cleaner energy resources.

We SUPPORT HB1604 and HB 2267 to reinstate proper SCC oversight authority in rate review for utility monopolies. We OPPOSE strongly HB1770 with grave concerns in way they shift to biennial review schedule (only one 12-month test year vs. two) ; and delays of plant retirements that could slow down progress to transition to cleaner energy resources.

We SUPPORT HB1604 and HB 2267 to reinstate proper SCC oversight authority in rate review for utility monopolies. We OPPOSE strongly HB1770 with grave concerns in way they shift to biennial review schedule (only one 12-month test year vs. two) ; and delays of plant retirements that could slow down progress to transition to cleaner energy resources.

The Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI) is the national trade association representing the nuclear energy industry. Our members include the owners and operators of the U.S. nuclear fleet, a global supply chain, academic institutions training the nuclear workforce, national labs researching nuclear technology and others. Several of our members have businesses in Virginia. Nuclear energy is the single largest carbon-free electric generating source in both the United States and around the world. In the United States, our 92 nuclear reactors produced about half of all carbon-free energy. In Virginia, your nuclear assets provide 30.3% of the electricity and 87.2% of the carbon-free energy. It is essential to include nuclear’s contributions to decarbonization in meeting Virginia’s clean energy goals. NEI is excited for policies enabling Virginia to recognize the value of the nuclear assets in the Commonwealth and explore advanced nuclear technology. NEI urges you to support HB HB 2333, HB, 2311, and HB 2197 and make Virginia a national leader in nuclear energy.

Louisa County Supports HB2333 Virginia is a leader in clean energy production with over 30% of the state’s power based on zero emission nuclear generation. Nuclear power provides reliable, competitively priced electricity to consumers in the Commonwealth, and low energy costs play a critical role in maintaining Virginia’s stature as an attractive location for business. The Commonwealth is also home to numerous facilities and operations in the nuclear energy sector including BWX Technologies (engineering), Framatome (industrial computing and regulatory compliance), Newport News Shipbuilding and many others. These entities sustain thousands of jobs throughout the Commonwealth which support Virginia families, generate substantial tax dollars, and trigger beneficial relationships with higher education in the state to train the future nuclear workforce. Dominion Energy operates the North Anna Nuclear Power Station in the County, and has set “net zero” emissions goals for its overall generation portfolio. Achieving these goals represents a substantial benefit to the environment and will require diversification of generation resources beyond that which is achievable by wind, solar, and energy storage alone. Additional nuclear generation represents a viable path forward in this important effort. Small Modular Reactors (SMR) represent an innovative, safe alternative to traditional nuclear power stations. Ranging from 50-300MW and fabricated in a factory environment, SMR’s incorporate advanced features including scalable output and safe shutdown even in the absence of operator action, and their reduced complexity results in lower infrastructure requirements. HB894 (2022) directed the Department of Energy to study the development of SMR’s and convene a stakeholder group for “promoting the development of advanced small modular reactors in the Commonwealth.” Louisa County supports this effort.