Big Stone Gap Office

History of Virginia Energy

The Virginia Department of Energy leads the Commonwealth to a reliable and responsible energy future . Created as the Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy in January 1985 under Governor Chuck Robb, in 2021 legislation was enacted officially changing and rebranding the agency as a greater focus was placed on renewable energy programs and economic development. Worker safety remains the agency’s top priority as it came into existence after a coal mining disaster in 1983 with the purpose of making service to mining, energy and mineral resources industries more efficient. Virginia Energy’s Coal Mine safety, Gas and Oil and Mineral Mining teams came from Virginia’s Department of Labor and Industry. The Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency programs were under the State Office of Emergency Services. And, our Mined Land Repurposing team came to Virginia Energy from the Department of Conservation and Economic Development. The Virginia Department of Energy has offices in Big Stone Gap, Charlottesville and Richmond.