ENERGY SECURITY
Energy security is a critical priority for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) works with local, state, and federal partners to ensure the continuity, safety, and resilience of the Commonwealth's energy systems during emergencies and supply disruptions.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND RESPONSE
The Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operation Plan (COVEOP) identifies emergency response policies, describes the response organization, and assigns tasks by Emergency Support Function (ESF). ESFs represent members of the public and private sector who serve on the Virginia Emergency Support Team (VEST). The Commonwealth of Virginia's State Energy Office (SEO) serves as supporting agency for the energy emergency support function. This includes all energy systems and their components, and the agency works with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to respond.
- Virginia Energy oversees emergency response related to petroleum products and the SCC does the same for electricity, natural gas, and pipelines.
- Restoration of any damaged system is coordinated and scheduled during and after an emergency.
- Virginia Energy also oversees the Energy Security Plan which is part of the COVEOP (see below).
VIRGINIA ENERGY SECURITY PLAN
Virginia Energy manages the Energy Security Plan, which provides comprehensive guidance on how the Commonwealth prepares for, monitors, mitigates, and responds to energy supply disruptions.
Key focus areas include:
- Identifying threats and vulnerabilities to the energy system,
- Coordinating with utilities and energy providers,
- Supporting restoration of disrupted energy supply and distribution systems,
- Collaborating with federal agencies on conservation measures when needed
VIRGINIA GRID RELIABILITY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (VGRIP)
Virginia Energy administers the Virginia Grid Reliability Improvement Program (VGRIP) to enhance the resilience and reliability of the Commonwealth's electric grid. Funded through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the program supports projects that strengthen grid infrastructure against disruptive events such as extreme weather and natural disasters.
VGRIP enables Virginia to partner with utility providers and other eligible entities to reduce the duration and frequency of power outages, modernize grid systems, support critical services and businesses, and develop a skilled workforce to maintain resilient energy systems.
Key program focus areas include:
- Reducing outages and improving grid performance
- Modernizing infrastructure to enhance reliability
- Supporting grid modeling and deployment of advanced technologies
- Hardening outdated or failing energy infrastructure
- Investing in workforce development for grid resilience projects
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- U.S. Department of Energy - Office of Cybersecurity, Energy Security, and Emergency Response (CESER)
- National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) - Energy Security Resources
