Governor Spanberger Signs Energy Storage Bill to Keep Costs Low and Strengthen the Grid

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Governor Spanberger Signs Energy Storage Bill to Keep Costs Low and Strengthen the Grid

WASHINGTON D.C., April 14, 2026 - The American Clean Power Association (ACP) today celebrated Governor Spanberger's signing into law House Bill 895 and Senate Bill 448, a bipartisan measure to reduce energy price volatility, strengthen grid reliability, and accelerate the state's ongoing transition to American-made clean energy.

At a time of rapidly growing electricity demand and increasing system costs nationally, House Bill 895 and Senate Bill 448 represent a milestone for state-level grid and energy storage policies in the country. The law provides a durable framework for Virginia and a model for other states on how to deploy proven grid solutions that enhance reliability and reduce price volatility for Virginia consumers.

"Energy storage is one of the most effective tools Virginia can deploy to keep electricity affordable and reliable today and into the future," said ACP Chief Advocacy Officer Frank Macchiarola. "Governor Spanberger is committed to strengthening Virginia's energy future, and ACP strongly supports her leadership on energy storage issues.

Governor Spanberger listed House Bill 895 and Senate Bill 448 as one of her priority bills at the beginning of Virginia's legislative session, recognizing the importance of deploying energy storage to lower peak prices for ratepayers.

"Energy storage leverages new and existing resources to deliver low-cost energy when Virginians need it most," added Macchiarola. "Clear, ambitious state policy initiatives like this legislation from Del. Richard Sullivan III and Sen. Lamont Bagby will unlock thousands of megawatts of energy storage projects ready to be built today-creating jobs and ensuring the Commonwealth benefits from a more reliable, resilient grid."

House Bill 895 and Senate Bill 448 authorize a state-level energy storage capacity target of 4,000 MW by 2030 and set a nation-leading goal of 16,000 MW of short-duration energy storage capacity by 2045; the bills also create new opportunities to bolster long-duration energy storage developments.

Virginia ranks among the top 5 states for projects in the pipeline, according to ACP's 2025 Q4 Market Report. With House Bill 895 and Senate Bill 448, the Commonwealth aims to create new energy-sector jobs, strengthen manufacturing supply chains, and ensure stable, reliable power for the state's growing economy.

"Virginia faces growing challenges with electricity affordability and reliability. Energy storage can help by delivering power when it's needed most," said Diane Cherry, Deputy Director of MAREC Action. "To do that, we need to expand storage procurement targets - with carveouts for long- and short-duration resources. That will deploy a full range of technologies, meet rising demand, and give developers the predictability to advance projects so they can help ratepayers and communities. We look forward to continued engagement as the Commonwealth advances rulemaking and modernizes its energy system."

A recent ACP analysis found that the average Virginian will spend an additional $5,200 over the next ten years if no new clean power is built. Energy storage development can alleviate one of the most persistent challenges in our power system: electricity supply and demand do not always align.

The ACP commends Virginia's legislative leaders for their commitment to developing reliable, affordable, and clean power for every community across the state.

The American Clean Power Association (ACP) is the leading voice of today's clean energy industry, representing utility-scale energy storage, wind, solar, and transmission companies. ACP is committed to meeting America's energy and national security goals and building our economy with fast-growing, low-cost, and reliable domestic power.

Learn more at cleanpower.org, and follow ACP on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and X.