Subcommittee backs small pilot to build community resilience hubs with utility oversight

The subcommittee voted to report HB 472 and refer it to appropriations after Delegate Figgins described a substitute that would assign ownership of battery storage to a utility, bring State Corporation Commission oversight and authorize cost recovery through existing regulatory mechanisms.

The bill would direct the Department of Energy to work with the Department of Emergency Management and a Phase 2 utility to establish up to three resilience hubs per year in communities with high concentrations of low-income residents, seniors and people with disabilities. Supporters said hubs — typically public buildings such as libraries or community centers equipped with solar and battery systems — would provide power during storms to preserve refrigeration for medications and basic services.

Blair St. Leger Olsen of the Virginia League of Conservation Voters testified in favor and noted the bill builds on prior legislation. The sponsor said the pilot is intentionally small so the Commonwealth can evaluate whether to expand statewide.

What the committee did: After testimony and brief questions, the subcommittee moved and recorded the vote. The clerk's roll shows the bill 'reports and refers to appropriations 6 to 0.' The next step is the appropriations review for any budget implications and regulatory details.