My name is Kelsey Crane. I live in Sterling, VA in Forest Ridge. I support of HB155 to put common sense safe guards on data centers through the State Corporation Commission and ask that you vote yes on this bill I moved to 2021 after job opportunities bought my partner and I from Richmond into NOVA. We knew when we bought our house there that there were a lot of data centers, but the scale and speed at which we’ve seen data centers built across the local area is overwhelming. We need these guardrails to protect Virignia’s environment and communities, reduce the impacts of future data centers and start the important conversation about mitigating the impacts of existing data centers. This bill will allow the state to look at factors we should have been considering all along when it comes to the scale of data centers being built in Virginia and across the county. Loudoun already has over 200 data centers and another 100 are already approved. The US has 45% of the entire world’s data centers and the state of VA alone has more data centers than any other nation. If you add up the number of data centers in the other 9 countries in the top 10 of data centers in the world it is 2,977. We have more data centers in the US than the next top 9 countries combined. I value forested land, I value drinkable water and safe soil to grow food. I value affordable housing, good paying jobs, and small local businesses. I value communities being able to say no to protect their health and livelihoods. Data centers are consuming our water, polluting our air, replacing farmland and yet they got $1.6 billion in tax breaks in 2025. This is also displacing opportunities for affordable housing, costing us more on our energy bills. We are feeling this personally. I looked at our bill recently, and we actually used a little less energy in Dec 2025 compared to Dec 2024 but we paid 24.2% more on our energy bill. It’s clear that data centers are raising concerns in communities in a way that is unconcerned with the political divides that have been intensely strong over the last decade. Elected officials need to demonstrate a strong intention and take action to address the impacts of data centers. Especially as we see studies that show the scale and impact of data centers - 10,000 commercial size diesel generators the size of container ships and over 4 billion gallons of water in Loudoun county alone. Too many times, a high concentration of data centers has shown to put a strain on local resources in a way that is inequitable and is not sustainable. We need to power data centers in a way that doesn’t lock us into fossil fuels for the next decades, keeps energy affordable for residents, does not degrade air or water quality or use resources unsustainably. If that can’t be done, then localities should be able to put a moratorium on building data centers or deny applications.

It's important to have a statewide perspective on grid reliability and the impact on our energy infrastructure. Local governments who approve data centers do not have insight to the impacts, which affect the entire state (and country). The fragmented approvals risk negative impacts to the energy grid, as well as the environment and public health, from not having a broader view.

I "'m writing in support of HB 155 and HB284, which provide critical state oversight of an industry currently largely unregulated. These bills are a key first step.

The Save Bren Mar Coalition supports HB155, HB284, and HB658 to put in place reasonable safeguards for residents like us who are experiencing the impacts of substations for data centers, like the Edsall Substation, proposed 67 feet from our communities. Cost and use consideration would encourage utility providers to seek the best possible locations for substations that don't negatively impact residents.

My name is Gem Bingol, I live in Leesburg, and I support House Bills 155, 284 and 658 (as well as the corresponding Senate bills). These bills all increase oversight and protections for residents and improve the sustainability of our energy systems. Protecting health and utilizing energy efficient, renewable energy systems go hand in hand.

Good afternoon. My name is Danna Flaherty. I’m a resident of Henrico County, a mother of two, and a former CPA and corporate controller. I’m here to express my strong support for House Bill 155. HB 155 addresses a basic fairness problem in Virginia’s energy system. Right now, extremely large electricity users—often data centers—can connect to the grid without any upfront review of how their demand will affect electric rates, grid reliability, or our clean-energy goals. The cost of meeting that demand is then spread across all ratepayers. From a financial standpoint, this is backwards. If one customer shows up with demand large enough to drive major new infrastructure, it’s reasonable to ask them to show that everyone else won’t end up paying for it. HB 155 simply applies that common-sense principle. When demand isn’t reviewed upfront, the default response is to build more supply—often new gas plants. That locks families into higher bills, more pollution, and long-term infrastructure costs that last for decades. HB 155 doesn’t stop growth or target any one industry. It puts reasonable guardrails in place so large new loads are evaluated before the costs are baked in—protecting ratepayers, grid reliability, and the public interest. I urge you to support House Bill 155. Thank you for your time and service.

Good afternoon, and thank you for your work. My name is Ann. I’m a resident of Goochland County and a retired mechanical engineer. As a child, I loved critical-thinking games—nerdy, I know. One game involved choosing what you’d take to survive on the moon. Food and water were obvious. Anything that used excessive power was carefully scrutinized, because once power was gone, it was game over. Virginia is facing a similar problem today. Our electric grid is already overextended by existing data centers and new contracts for even more. Now, the industry and utilities are turning to the next available resource—natural gas. That shift means rising electric bills, added gas consumption, and increased air and water pollution, all to serve unchecked demand from a single industry. Residents of small counties like mine are now being asked to shoulder this burden after much of the grid capacity has already been used up. Residents will pay higher electricity bills and higher natural gas bills, while also absorbing the health and environmental impacts of new gas plants layered on top of existing data center pollution. In this moon-survival game, the player would have already lost—critical resources exhausted because of poor planning and no limits. A fistful of cash wouldn’t matter if what was left behind was unlivable. HB155 helps us avoid a premature and preventable game over. It puts guardrails in place so this growth is planned responsibly. Please support HB155. Thank you.

Delegate Wilt, Please support HB 155 to stop new polluting gas plants from being built to power Big Tech’s data Centers. Thank you, Barbara German

I’m Ondra Torkilson, Norfolk City resident, speaking to represent myself and my fellow community members who deserve affordable, clean, renewable energy. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change. I am unable to attend the meeting in person today at 4:30pm, as I am picking up my daughter from school at that time.

Please vote in favor of HB 155. I encourage legislators to require heavy-use data centers to incorporate all renewable energy resources available to reduce the demand for electricity to support these facilities.

I’m Laura Dent, Harrisonburg City Council Member, speaking to represent only myself, not for City Council. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

I’m Laura Dent, Harrisonburg City Council Member, speaking to represent only myself, not for City Council. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

The Justice and Witness Action Network of the United Church of Christ – VA supports HB155. As people of faith, we are committed to stewardship of our planet and responsible use of our resources, as well as environmental justice. We should be aggressively expanding our use of renewable energy sources, not increasing our reliance on fossil fuels that increase global warming and pollute our air, leading to an increased burden on public health.

As a Virginian I am concerned at the increase in data centers in our state, especially how that impacts our energy bills. Money is incredibly tight and we need affordability. As a human on this Earth, I’m deeply concerned about gas and fossil fuels in particular ruining our environment and health. I support legislation to prevent corporate profits from winning out over citizens’ rights to clean air and water.

My name is the Rev. Annabelle Peake Markey and I live in Sterling, VA, where I also serve a congregation. In the 12 years my husband and I have lived in Loudoun County, we have seen an explosion of data centers. We've seen them spring up everywhere very quickly and are a drain on electricity and a blight on the landscape. They use tremendous amounts of water when, both locally and globally, we are experiencing the effects of widespread drought. There have also been reports that the hum from the servers housed has impacts on peoples' health. Please stop the onslaught of data center growth in Virginia. Thank you, The Rev. Annabelle P. Markey

I support HB155. We should NOT be the ones paying for the increased cost of energy, the ramifications of pollution on our environment, or the unchecked growth of data centers that are causing all of us to suffer.

HB155 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB155. Many Virginians face barriers when public processes lack clarity or consistency. These difficulties limit access to services and civic engagement, especially in rural, low income, and marginalized communities. HB155 strengthens transparency and helps ensure residents can navigate systems with confidence. We urge your support. HB658 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB658. Residents across the Commonwealth struggle with unclear instructions, limited broadband, and transportation challenges that block access to essential services. HB658 improves responsiveness and creates more equitable pathways for residents seeking support. This bill moves Virginia toward a fairer and more accessible public system. We ask for your support. HB503 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB503 on behalf of the Center for Common Ground. Families we serve rely on predictable and understandable public processes. When requirements are confusing or communication is inconsistent, unnecessary burdens fall on those with the least time and resources. HB503 improves clarity and strengthens accountability, helping restore trust between residents and the systems that serve them. We urge passage of HB503. HB1256 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. I am Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB1256. The communities we serve regularly face delays and procedural confusion that keep them from receiving essential services. HB1256 helps modernize these pathways by improving usability and reducing avoidable obstacles. This bill supports equity, stability, and more efficient service delivery. We respectfully request your support. HB1075 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1075. Residents across Virginia describe how unclear procedures and inconsistent communication prevent them from meeting obligations or accessing critical resources. HB1075 strengthens access and fairness for families who balance work, caregiving, and travel limitations. This bill helps ensure government processes function as intended, with clarity and consistency. We ask the committee to advance HB1075. HB591 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB591. Virginians often encounter delays and procedural hurdles that create avoidable hardship and discourage civic engagement. HB591 increases transparency, improves access, and brings much needed consistency to systems relied on by vulnerable households. This bill helps ensure public services meet the needs of all communities. We urge your support for HB591. HB1379 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1379. Many families across the Commonwealth face real barriers when navigating public systems, especially those managing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation. HB1379 improves clarity, lowers procedural burdens, and supports more equitable outcomes. This bill allows residents to engage with greater stability and confidence. We respectfully request passage of HB1379.

Data centers are being developed at accelerating rates without any upfront review of the costs or risks to Virginians. The bill seeks to protect Virginians like me from the rising costs and environmental impacts of these high-load facilities. I respectfully urge you to support this bill.

Dear committee members, I am writing to you and asking for you support for HB 155. We need more regulations and oversight in the governance of energy, especially in terms of data centers. This bill is a step in the right direction. Vote yes on HB 155.

Demand flexibility can be a powerful tool to help avoid unnecessary new infrastructure and power generation. Of particular importance to our health and environment is restricting the use of diesel generators. We should be trying to reduce pollution and the resulting effects our environment and health, but data centers are pushing the wrong way. Any levers that can be employed to reduce the impacts are critical to put in place.

I "'m writing in support of HB 155 and HB284, which provide critical state oversight of an industry currently largely unregulated. These bills are a key first step.

The Save Bren Mar Coalition supports HB155, HB284, and HB658 to put in place reasonable safeguards for residents like us who are experiencing the impacts of substations for data centers, like the Edsall Substation, proposed 67 feet from our communities. Cost and use consideration would encourage utility providers to seek the best possible locations for substations that don't negatively impact residents.

My name is Gem Bingol, I live in Leesburg, and I support House Bills 155, 284 and 658 (as well as the corresponding Senate bills). These bills all increase oversight and protections for residents and improve the sustainability of our energy systems. Protecting health and utilizing energy efficient, renewable energy systems go hand in hand.

We all know our power grid is stressed by the recent high demands. Demand flexibility will help to balance that stress and even out the load. Please pass HB284 Electric demand flexibility programs; State Corporation Commission to establish.

I’m Ondra Torkilson, Norfolk City resident, speaking to represent myself and my fellow community members who deserve affordable, clean, renewable energy. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change. I am unable to attend the meeting in person today at 4:30pm, as I am picking up my daughter from school at that time.

I’m Laura Dent, Harrisonburg City Council Member, speaking to represent only myself, not for City Council. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

I’m Laura Dent, Harrisonburg City Council Member, speaking to represent only myself, not for City Council. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

HB155 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB155. Many Virginians face barriers when public processes lack clarity or consistency. These difficulties limit access to services and civic engagement, especially in rural, low income, and marginalized communities. HB155 strengthens transparency and helps ensure residents can navigate systems with confidence. We urge your support. HB658 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB658. Residents across the Commonwealth struggle with unclear instructions, limited broadband, and transportation challenges that block access to essential services. HB658 improves responsiveness and creates more equitable pathways for residents seeking support. This bill moves Virginia toward a fairer and more accessible public system. We ask for your support. HB503 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB503 on behalf of the Center for Common Ground. Families we serve rely on predictable and understandable public processes. When requirements are confusing or communication is inconsistent, unnecessary burdens fall on those with the least time and resources. HB503 improves clarity and strengthens accountability, helping restore trust between residents and the systems that serve them. We urge passage of HB503. HB1256 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. I am Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB1256. The communities we serve regularly face delays and procedural confusion that keep them from receiving essential services. HB1256 helps modernize these pathways by improving usability and reducing avoidable obstacles. This bill supports equity, stability, and more efficient service delivery. We respectfully request your support. HB1075 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1075. Residents across Virginia describe how unclear procedures and inconsistent communication prevent them from meeting obligations or accessing critical resources. HB1075 strengthens access and fairness for families who balance work, caregiving, and travel limitations. This bill helps ensure government processes function as intended, with clarity and consistency. We ask the committee to advance HB1075. HB591 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB591. Virginians often encounter delays and procedural hurdles that create avoidable hardship and discourage civic engagement. HB591 increases transparency, improves access, and brings much needed consistency to systems relied on by vulnerable households. This bill helps ensure public services meet the needs of all communities. We urge your support for HB591. HB1379 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1379. Many families across the Commonwealth face real barriers when navigating public systems, especially those managing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation. HB1379 improves clarity, lowers procedural burdens, and supports more equitable outcomes. This bill allows residents to engage with greater stability and confidence. We respectfully request passage of HB1379.

My neighbors and I should not bear the costs for high-load facilities like Big Tech’s data centers. I respectfully urge you to support this bill.

I support HB 503 and HB 658 which provide reasonable regulations enabling oversight of data centers’ high levels of energy usage. These bills will help with preventing data centers’ energy demands from harming Virginians’ grid and increasing costs for ratepayers. Virginia has more data centers than anywhere in the world; our bills could increase by $14 to $37 per month to cover the power demands of these large facilities owned by major tech corporations.

This submission contains written testimony in support of House Bill 503, expressing support for the bill’s core intent to prevent data-center-driven electric infrastructure costs from being shifted to residential and small business ratepayers. The testimony also provides targeted, constructive recommendations to strengthen the bill’s enforceability, transparency, and consumer protections, including clarifications related to cost recovery, accounting, auditing, and prevention of cost shifting.

I support HB503 because I feel it is totally unfair to make residential customers pay for electrical infrastructure that would be unnecessary were it not for the proliferation of these high energy data centers. Please vote yes on HB503.

HB155 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB155. Many Virginians face barriers when public processes lack clarity or consistency. These difficulties limit access to services and civic engagement, especially in rural, low income, and marginalized communities. HB155 strengthens transparency and helps ensure residents can navigate systems with confidence. We urge your support. HB658 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB658. Residents across the Commonwealth struggle with unclear instructions, limited broadband, and transportation challenges that block access to essential services. HB658 improves responsiveness and creates more equitable pathways for residents seeking support. This bill moves Virginia toward a fairer and more accessible public system. We ask for your support. HB503 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB503 on behalf of the Center for Common Ground. Families we serve rely on predictable and understandable public processes. When requirements are confusing or communication is inconsistent, unnecessary burdens fall on those with the least time and resources. HB503 improves clarity and strengthens accountability, helping restore trust between residents and the systems that serve them. We urge passage of HB503. HB1256 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. I am Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB1256. The communities we serve regularly face delays and procedural confusion that keep them from receiving essential services. HB1256 helps modernize these pathways by improving usability and reducing avoidable obstacles. This bill supports equity, stability, and more efficient service delivery. We respectfully request your support. HB1075 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1075. Residents across Virginia describe how unclear procedures and inconsistent communication prevent them from meeting obligations or accessing critical resources. HB1075 strengthens access and fairness for families who balance work, caregiving, and travel limitations. This bill helps ensure government processes function as intended, with clarity and consistency. We ask the committee to advance HB1075. HB591 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB591. Virginians often encounter delays and procedural hurdles that create avoidable hardship and discourage civic engagement. HB591 increases transparency, improves access, and brings much needed consistency to systems relied on by vulnerable households. This bill helps ensure public services meet the needs of all communities. We urge your support for HB591. HB1379 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1379. Many families across the Commonwealth face real barriers when navigating public systems, especially those managing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation. HB1379 improves clarity, lowers procedural burdens, and supports more equitable outcomes. This bill allows residents to engage with greater stability and confidence. We respectfully request passage of HB1379.

I support HB591 because it lays out a comprehensive approach to the issues surrounding data centers. The emphasis on renewable and flexible energy, grid stability, and energy storage make sense. I am glad to see the awareness of security needs. This is precisely the policy we need at this moment. Please vote for HB591.

I live in a community with multiple data centers. The strain on the infrastructure is a real problem. While the jobs are welcome the electric bill has gone up. I do not understand why on top of so many tax credits we must also subsidize their building costs. The billions of dollars we hear about do not trickle down to the working american.

Please support HB658 and HB503 to protect non-date center customers from cost increases resulting from data center load growth. Everyone in the state will feel the effects, and appreciate not subsidizing data center growth. Data centers already receive massive tax benefits (which I do not support), and forcing residents to pay for increased infrastructure adds insult to injury.

The Save Bren Mar Coalition supports HB155, HB284, and HB658 to put in place reasonable safeguards for residents like us who are experiencing the impacts of substations for data centers, like the Edsall Substation, proposed 67 feet from our communities. Cost and use consideration would encourage utility providers to seek the best possible locations for substations that don't negatively impact residents.

My name is Gem Bingol, I live in Leesburg, and I support House Bills 155, 284 and 658 (as well as the corresponding Senate bills). These bills all increase oversight and protections for residents and improve the sustainability of our energy systems. Protecting health and utilizing energy efficient, renewable energy systems go hand in hand.

I’m Ondra Torkilson, Norfolk City resident, speaking to represent myself and my fellow community members who deserve affordable, clean, renewable energy. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change. I am unable to attend the meeting in person today at 4:30pm, as I am picking up my daughter from school at that time.

I’m Laura Dent, Harrisonburg City Council Member, speaking to represent only myself, not for City Council. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

I’m Laura Dent, Harrisonburg City Council Member, speaking to represent only myself, not for City Council. I support HB658 and HB503 to ensure that data centers cover the cost of their own energy rather than passing the cost onto ratepayers. I support HB155 to require the maximum possible clean energy to power data centers to help reduce the impacts of climate change.

HB155 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB155. Many Virginians face barriers when public processes lack clarity or consistency. These difficulties limit access to services and civic engagement, especially in rural, low income, and marginalized communities. HB155 strengthens transparency and helps ensure residents can navigate systems with confidence. We urge your support. HB658 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB658. Residents across the Commonwealth struggle with unclear instructions, limited broadband, and transportation challenges that block access to essential services. HB658 improves responsiveness and creates more equitable pathways for residents seeking support. This bill moves Virginia toward a fairer and more accessible public system. We ask for your support. HB503 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB503 on behalf of the Center for Common Ground. Families we serve rely on predictable and understandable public processes. When requirements are confusing or communication is inconsistent, unnecessary burdens fall on those with the least time and resources. HB503 improves clarity and strengthens accountability, helping restore trust between residents and the systems that serve them. We urge passage of HB503. HB1256 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. I am Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB1256. The communities we serve regularly face delays and procedural confusion that keep them from receiving essential services. HB1256 helps modernize these pathways by improving usability and reducing avoidable obstacles. This bill supports equity, stability, and more efficient service delivery. We respectfully request your support. HB1075 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1075. Residents across Virginia describe how unclear procedures and inconsistent communication prevent them from meeting obligations or accessing critical resources. HB1075 strengthens access and fairness for families who balance work, caregiving, and travel limitations. This bill helps ensure government processes function as intended, with clarity and consistency. We ask the committee to advance HB1075. HB591 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB591. Virginians often encounter delays and procedural hurdles that create avoidable hardship and discourage civic engagement. HB591 increases transparency, improves access, and brings much needed consistency to systems relied on by vulnerable households. This bill helps ensure public services meet the needs of all communities. We urge your support for HB591. HB1379 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1379. Many families across the Commonwealth face real barriers when navigating public systems, especially those managing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation. HB1379 improves clarity, lowers procedural burdens, and supports more equitable outcomes. This bill allows residents to engage with greater stability and confidence. We respectfully request passage of HB1379.

My neighbors and I should not bear the costs for high-load facilities like Big Tech’s data centers. I respectfully urge you to support this bill.

I support HB 503 and HB 658 which provide reasonable regulations enabling oversight of data centers’ high levels of energy usage. These bills will help with preventing data centers’ energy demands from harming Virginians’ grid and increasing costs for ratepayers. Virginia has more data centers than anywhere in the world; our bills could increase by $14 to $37 per month to cover the power demands of these large facilities owned by major tech corporations.

Please support this bill. As a resident of the Commonwealth, I do not need to be subsidizing electricity needs of data centers all of which are owned by rich corporations. If they want to locate here then they can figure out how to pay for their electricity needs.

Please support HB1075. I am very opposed to the data center that is coming to Wytheville, VA because it will drive up our already high electric bills. Thank you for helping us lower our utility bills.

I support HB 1075 for so many reasons as numbered below: 1) The huge profit margins for the power companies are just wrong. 2) Citizens like me simply cannot afford high electric bills that are on fixed incomes. I practice a high level of conserving power here with a wood stove, turning off pc's, appliances and power strips, along with minimal lighting, less laundry usage. I could go on, but I will not. 3). If this is to accommodate data centers and offer incentives to billionaires, the answer is a big NO. 4). This winter has been especially hard on so many people here in VA. There should be more solar on parking garages (not farmland) to help with the power grid during these harsh winters. More and more citizens need to cut back on usage and find alternative ways to not use electric and conserve. After all, it is a collective effort to make necessary changes.

I support HB 1075 for so many reasons as numbered below: 1) The huge profit margins for the power companies are just wrong. 2) Citizens like me simply cannot afford high electric bills that are on fixed incomes. I practice a high level of conserving power here with a wood stove, turning off pc's, appliances and power strips, along with minimal lighting, less laundry usage. I could go on, but I will not. 3). If this is to accommodate data centers and offer incentives to billionaires, the answer is a big NO. 4). This winter has been especially hard on so many people here in VA. There should be more solar on parking garages(not farmland) to help with the power grid during these harsh winters. More and more citizens need to cut back on usage and find alternative ways to not use electric and conserve. After all , it is a collective effort to make necessary changes.

HB155 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB155. Many Virginians face barriers when public processes lack clarity or consistency. These difficulties limit access to services and civic engagement, especially in rural, low income, and marginalized communities. HB155 strengthens transparency and helps ensure residents can navigate systems with confidence. We urge your support. HB658 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB658. Residents across the Commonwealth struggle with unclear instructions, limited broadband, and transportation challenges that block access to essential services. HB658 improves responsiveness and creates more equitable pathways for residents seeking support. This bill moves Virginia toward a fairer and more accessible public system. We ask for your support. HB503 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB503 on behalf of the Center for Common Ground. Families we serve rely on predictable and understandable public processes. When requirements are confusing or communication is inconsistent, unnecessary burdens fall on those with the least time and resources. HB503 improves clarity and strengthens accountability, helping restore trust between residents and the systems that serve them. We urge passage of HB503. HB1256 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. I am Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB1256. The communities we serve regularly face delays and procedural confusion that keep them from receiving essential services. HB1256 helps modernize these pathways by improving usability and reducing avoidable obstacles. This bill supports equity, stability, and more efficient service delivery. We respectfully request your support. HB1075 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1075. Residents across Virginia describe how unclear procedures and inconsistent communication prevent them from meeting obligations or accessing critical resources. HB1075 strengthens access and fairness for families who balance work, caregiving, and travel limitations. This bill helps ensure government processes function as intended, with clarity and consistency. We ask the committee to advance HB1075. HB591 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB591. Virginians often encounter delays and procedural hurdles that create avoidable hardship and discourage civic engagement. HB591 increases transparency, improves access, and brings much needed consistency to systems relied on by vulnerable households. This bill helps ensure public services meet the needs of all communities. We urge your support for HB591. HB1379 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1379. Many families across the Commonwealth face real barriers when navigating public systems, especially those managing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation. HB1379 improves clarity, lowers procedural burdens, and supports more equitable outcomes. This bill allows residents to engage with greater stability and confidence. We respectfully request passage of HB1379.

Appalachian Power Company’s energy costs continue to increase and affordability should be extended to all Virginians. I respectfully urge you to support this bill.

HB155 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB155. Many Virginians face barriers when public processes lack clarity or consistency. These difficulties limit access to services and civic engagement, especially in rural, low income, and marginalized communities. HB155 strengthens transparency and helps ensure residents can navigate systems with confidence. We urge your support. HB658 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB658. Residents across the Commonwealth struggle with unclear instructions, limited broadband, and transportation challenges that block access to essential services. HB658 improves responsiveness and creates more equitable pathways for residents seeking support. This bill moves Virginia toward a fairer and more accessible public system. We ask for your support. HB503 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB503 on behalf of the Center for Common Ground. Families we serve rely on predictable and understandable public processes. When requirements are confusing or communication is inconsistent, unnecessary burdens fall on those with the least time and resources. HB503 improves clarity and strengthens accountability, helping restore trust between residents and the systems that serve them. We urge passage of HB503. HB1256 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. I am Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB1256. The communities we serve regularly face delays and procedural confusion that keep them from receiving essential services. HB1256 helps modernize these pathways by improving usability and reducing avoidable obstacles. This bill supports equity, stability, and more efficient service delivery. We respectfully request your support. HB1075 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1075. Residents across Virginia describe how unclear procedures and inconsistent communication prevent them from meeting obligations or accessing critical resources. HB1075 strengthens access and fairness for families who balance work, caregiving, and travel limitations. This bill helps ensure government processes function as intended, with clarity and consistency. We ask the committee to advance HB1075. HB591 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB591. Virginians often encounter delays and procedural hurdles that create avoidable hardship and discourage civic engagement. HB591 increases transparency, improves access, and brings much needed consistency to systems relied on by vulnerable households. This bill helps ensure public services meet the needs of all communities. We urge your support for HB591. HB1379 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1379. Many families across the Commonwealth face real barriers when navigating public systems, especially those managing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation. HB1379 improves clarity, lowers procedural burdens, and supports more equitable outcomes. This bill allows residents to engage with greater stability and confidence. We respectfully request passage of HB1379.

Passing fuel costs directly to customers is unacceptable. The development of a fuel cost sharing mechanism is a step towards promoting affordability by creating an incentive to reduce fuel costs and reducing bill volatility. I respectfully urge you to support this bill.

I support HB 1256. This bill will help improve affordability in VA, a major necessity. For public electric utilities, fuel costs are passed directly to customers. This bill allows utilities to share savings when fuel and purchased power costs are lower than expected, and requires utilities to absorb a share of costs when fuel costs exceed budget, rather than passing on all costs to customers. This bill directs the State Corporation Commission to design a fuel cost-sharing mechanism for Dominion and APCo through a one-year rulemaking proceeding to be completed by Fall 2027.

I support HB 1256. This bill will help improve affordability in VA, a major necessity. For public electric utilities, fuel costs are passed directly to customers. This bill allows utilities to share savings when fuel and purchased power costs are lower than expected, and requires utilities to absorb a share of costs when fuel costs exceed budget, rather than passing on all costs to customers. This bill directs the State Corporation Commission to design a fuel cost-sharing mechanism for Dominion and APCo through a one-year rulemaking proceeding to be completed by Fall 2027.

HB155 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB155. Many Virginians face barriers when public processes lack clarity or consistency. These difficulties limit access to services and civic engagement, especially in rural, low income, and marginalized communities. HB155 strengthens transparency and helps ensure residents can navigate systems with confidence. We urge your support. HB658 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB658. Residents across the Commonwealth struggle with unclear instructions, limited broadband, and transportation challenges that block access to essential services. HB658 improves responsiveness and creates more equitable pathways for residents seeking support. This bill moves Virginia toward a fairer and more accessible public system. We ask for your support. HB503 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB503 on behalf of the Center for Common Ground. Families we serve rely on predictable and understandable public processes. When requirements are confusing or communication is inconsistent, unnecessary burdens fall on those with the least time and resources. HB503 improves clarity and strengthens accountability, helping restore trust between residents and the systems that serve them. We urge passage of HB503. HB1256 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. I am Edwuan Whitehead, Public Policy Director for the Center for Common Ground. I support HB1256. The communities we serve regularly face delays and procedural confusion that keep them from receiving essential services. HB1256 helps modernize these pathways by improving usability and reducing avoidable obstacles. This bill supports equity, stability, and more efficient service delivery. We respectfully request your support. HB1075 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1075. Residents across Virginia describe how unclear procedures and inconsistent communication prevent them from meeting obligations or accessing critical resources. HB1075 strengthens access and fairness for families who balance work, caregiving, and travel limitations. This bill helps ensure government processes function as intended, with clarity and consistency. We ask the committee to advance HB1075. HB591 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair. I am Edwuan Whitehead with the Center for Common Ground. I support HB591. Virginians often encounter delays and procedural hurdles that create avoidable hardship and discourage civic engagement. HB591 increases transparency, improves access, and brings much needed consistency to systems relied on by vulnerable households. This bill helps ensure public services meet the needs of all communities. We urge your support for HB591. HB1379 – Support Good afternoon Mister Chair and members. My name is Edwuan Whitehead and I support HB1379. Many families across the Commonwealth face real barriers when navigating public systems, especially those managing multiple jobs, caregiving responsibilities, or limited transportation. HB1379 improves clarity, lowers procedural burdens, and supports more equitable outcomes. This bill allows residents to engage with greater stability and confidence. We respectfully request passage of HB1379.