GRANTS


Virginia Power Innovation Program

The Virginia Power Innovation Fund and Program is for the purposes of research and development of innovative energy technologies, including nuclear, hydrogen, carbon capture and utilization, and energy storage; and to award grants on a competitive basis from the Fund to support energy innovation in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Learn more here.


Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant Subgrant

Virginia Energy is thrilled to announce the sub-granting of $1.6 million in Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) funding from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to eligible local governments. This is a big boost to help enhance state-level EECBG initiatives and support local energy improvement efforts. Learn more here.

PROGRAMS


Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program

Virginia Energy is one of nine states and tribal programs chosen by Congress to receive $10 million in Fiscal Year 2020 to develop and repurpose Abandoned Mine Lands. The 2020 Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization Program (AMLER) funding is made available and administered by the federal Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), in accordance with the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020 (Public Law 116-93). First authorized in 2016, Virginia has received $10 million in Fiscal Years 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Learn more here.


Accident Reduction Program (ARP)

The Accident Reduction Program (ARP) assists small coal mine operations and contractors in Virginia to reduce injuries, fatalities, and property loss. ARP specialist work on-site with small mining companies (fewer than 50 employees) to ensure safety through developing plans and conducting inspections to identify potential issues. Site specific training and safety information is also provided.Learn more here.


DEMAND RESPONSE

Demand response (DR) pays Commonwealth of Virginia buildings and facilities to conserve or shift electricity use in response to grid signals. These signals can be triggered by high electricity demand, inadequate energy supply, high electricity prices and high emissions. DR serves as a lifeline for Virginia's grid operator and utilities to prevent blackouts or electricity service interruptions which can be extremely disruptive, even deadly, to businesses and residents. Learn more here.

Energy Savings Performance Contracting

Any state agency may enter into an energy performance-based contract with an energy performance contractor to significantly reduce energy costs of a state facility through one or more energy conservation or operational efficiency measures. An Energy Savings Performance Contract (ESPC) is an agreement between a contractor, most often an energy services company, or ESCO, and a customer to perform as a condition of payment. Performance in this context means meeting a guaranteed level of energy savings. Learn more here.


Home Energy Rebate Programs

Virginia Energy anticipates that the rebates will be available in Virginia in Spring 2025. Final guidance on qualifying purchases and how residents will access these rebates has not yet been determined. Residents currently looking for incentives for energy improvement purchases or projects that are available now should visit Virginia Energy Sense. Please note that Home Energy Rebates (offered through the state and not yet available) are different from federal home energy tax credits, with are administered by the IRS and are available now. Learn more here.


Methane emissions reduction program

The Virginia Department of Energy received $2,643,702 in federal grant dollars to lower methane emissions across the Commonwealth. Through the agency's Gas and Oil program, the Methane Emissions Reduction Program will fund the plugging of natural gas wells that are producing at a minimum, termed marginal conventional wells (MCWs). Learn more here.


Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE)

Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) is a means of financing energy efficiency upgrades, disaster resiliency improvements, water conservation measures and renewable energy installations at a property with no up-front cost to property owners. PACE financing can cover 100% of project costs. Repayments are made on the property tax bill over a period of up to 30 years, enabling projects that provide cost savings from day one. Learn more here.


Shared Solar & Community Solar

The U.S. Department of Energy defines a community solar project as one that has multiple subscribers who receive benefits on utility bills that are directly attributable to the project. Learn more here.


Small Mine Safety Service

Small Mine Safety Service is a voluntary program offering on-site awareness, training, and technical assistance to mines with fewer than 25 employees. The program provides services proven effective in preventing mining accidents and illnesses, delivered by experienced Technical Specialists. Qualifying mines can apply through Coal Mine Safety. Learn more here.


Solar For All

On April 22, 2024, Virginia Energy received $156 million for the Solar for All program through EPA's Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. The federal funding will result in more affordable energy through residential solar installations over a five-year period. Learn more here.


SolSmart

Virginia Energy and UVA offer a Virginia SolSmart no-cost technical advisor program with support from The Solar Foundation to bring solar-specific resources and technical assistance to localities across Virginia. Learn more here.


Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank

The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) is tasked with accelerating the deployment of clean power generation and energy infrastructure across the commonwealth. VCEIB mobilizes public and private capital to address critical financing gaps in the clean power generation and infrastructure sectors, supporting the goals outlined in Virginia's All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan. Learn more here.


Virginia Grid Reliability Improvement Program (VGRIP)

Virginia Grid Reliability Improvement Program (VGRIP) VGRIP supports a wide range of projects that improve grid reliability. Eligible initiatives include reducing outage duration and frequency, enhancing grid modeling for strategic investments, modernizing infrastructure, addressing outdated components, and supporting workforce development in the energy sector. Learn more here.