Subcommittee moves FAST Act to speed use of surplus transmission capacity and pilot interconnection programs

Delegate Hernandez told the subcommittee HB 1065—branded by the sponsor as the FAST Act—would identify surplus interconnection capacity at existing and planned generation sites and establish pilot purchase/solicitation programs to free up hundreds of megawatts more quickly than new builds. "Dominion will identify five such locations, and APCO will identify two," Hernandez said, and both utilities must submit an assessment to the State Corporation Commission by January 2027.

Proponents said the approach can cut years from new project timelines and reduce transmission and interconnection costs. Jim Puricall of Advanced Energy United told the committee the bill could save "up to over $1,000,000,000 in transmission cost" by using existing infrastructure. Chrissy Noonan, speaking for Dominion Energy, said the company had concerns earlier but supported the draft as a reasonable next step while noting details remain to be worked out. The Southern Environmental Law Center and other environmental and clean-energy groups also voiced support.

After testimony and brief questions, the subcommittee reported the substitute 7–1 and will advance the bill with SCC oversight and a required RFP process for the pilots.

What happens next: The substitute, as reported, requires assessments and pilot programs with SCC oversight; agencies and stakeholders will work out program details in the coming months.