Subcommittee backs PJM transparency bill, adopting substitute to require disclosure of recorded votes

Delegate Laufer presented HB84 as a transparency measure aimed at making PJM Interconnection votes visible to Virginia ratepayers and state officials. Laufer said the bill establishes reporting requirements for votes cast at PJM meetings by utilities and licensed suppliers so that recorded votes affecting electricity pricing can be reviewed by the state (Delegate Laufer).

Environmental and consumer groups including the Sierra Club of Virginia, Clean Virginia and the Nature Conservancy testified in favor. Committee members noted neighboring states have enacted similar disclosures. No witnesses testified in opposition. Counsel and the patron offered a substitute; after a motion the committee reported the substitute by an 8‑0 roll call.

The substitute was described as aligning Virginia with regional peers and increasing public accountability for decisions that drive rates paid by Virginians. With the substitute reported, HB84 moves to the next legislative stage for further consideration.