Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the 2026 Virginia Energy Plan, outlining how the Commonwealth plans to meet growing electricity demand while balancing affordability, reliability, clean energy goals and economic growth.
What’s in the plan?
The plan takes a “Clean-First, Least-Cost” approach, with priorities that include:
- Accelerating lower-cost, clean energy solutions;
- Ensuring data center growth advances Virginia’s energy goals;
- Expanding clean, firm energy resources;
- Aligning utility incentives with affordability; and
- Building Virginia’s energy workforce and supply chain.
The plan evaluates multiple pathways to meet future energy needs while keeping Virginia on track to achieve net-zero greenhouse-gas emissions from the power sector by 2050.
Why does it matter?
For Virginia’s technology community, energy policy is increasingly economic competitiveness policy.
AI, cloud computing, data centers and other technology-driven industries are increasing electricity demand. Virginia’s ability to provide reliable, affordable power and supporting infrastructure will be critical to attracting investment and sustaining technology growth.
The plan also signals that future data center growth will be increasingly linked to energy infrastructure, cost responsibility, grid reliability and environmental performance.
What happens next?
The plan does not set utility rates or approve individual projects. It will help guide legislative, regulatory, utility and local decisions, with additional policy discussions expected ahead of the 2027 General Assembly session.
NVTC Mission
To convene and champion the region’s tech community to advance innovation, build a future-ready workforce, and drive economic and societal impact.