Happy Friday!

July 2nd, 2026

Happy 250th, America! Looking back at some of the first inventors and the ways in which energy helped shape the nation early on, it’s interesting to see some of the parallels today; there’s always something new being explored, expanded, and powered. We hope you all have a fantastic holiday weekend!

America’s 250th Energy Spotlight:

A Legacy of Energy Innovation

This week, America celebrates 250 years of independence. As part of that milestone, we’re taking a look back at the innovators, inventors, and leaders who helped shape our nation’s energy story—and how their legacy continues to influence the conversations we’re having today. From the earliest discoveries surrounding electricity to the modern technologies powering our homes and businesses, America’s history has always been defined by a willingness to innovate and adapt.

Benjamin Franklin’s experiments helped transform electricity from a scientific curiosity into a practical field of study, laying the groundwork for generations of discovery. Nearly a century later, Samuel Morse demonstrated that electricity could connect people across vast distances through the telegraph, forever changing communication and commerce. Inventors like Thomas Edison, Nikola Tesla, and George Westinghouse built upon those breakthroughs by advancing electric lighting, power generation, alternating current transmission, and the expansion of the electric grid—helping bring reliable electricity to communities across the country.

While our technology has changed over the past 250 years, the pursuit for energy independence has remained remarkably consistent: how do we produce enough reliable energy to support a growing nation? Throughout our history, the answer has never been a single technology. Instead, America has moved forward by embracing innovation, investing in infrastructure, and allowing new ideas to complement the energy resources already in use.

That same approach continues today. As electricity demand rises and new technologies reshape the grid, America once again finds itself at a moment of transition. Meeting tomorrow’s energy needs will require thoughtful planning, continued investment, and an all-of-the-above energy strategy that values reliability, affordability, and that means looking at every resource.

The same spirit that fueled America’s first great energy innovations continues to guide us today. By encouraging practical problem-solving, supporting local communities, and remaining open to new ideas, we can continue building an energy future that strengthens our economy, expands opportunity, and keeps America powered for generations to come.

What We’re Thinking

Agrivoltaics Come into Focus

Sheep grazing alongside solar panels

On July 1st, many new laws took effect in Virginia. One bill of interest,HB508, formally defines agrivoltaics in the Commonwealth. While the concept has been around for years, establishing a legal definition provides much-needed clarity for farmers, local governments, developers, and communities. By recognizing agrivoltaics as the intentional integration of agricultural production and solar energy generation, Virginia is taking steps to address that clean energy and farming aren’t competing for land use but can actually complement one another. The new law also emphasizes that agricultural production must remain a central component of these projects, ensuring flexibility for farmers to adapt to changing markets and operational needs over time.

In a time where Virginia is experiencing plenty of growth in electricity demand, driven by the expansion of data centers, new manufacturing investments, and a growing population, this legislation is crucial. Agrivoltaics can help meet that rising demand by allowing the Commonwealth to add new energy generation without removing farmland from productive use. It demonstrates that increasing energy production and preserving Virginia’s agricultural economy can advance together when projects are thoughtfully planned and developed.

This definition is more than just a policy update. It reinforces the importance of private property rights and local control. Farmers should have the freedom to determine how their land is used, and agrivoltaics creates another opportunity to diversify farm income while maintaining active agricultural production. Whether through livestock grazing, crop cultivation, pollinator habitat, or other agricultural practices, dual-use projects show that renewable energy can strengthen, rather than replace, Virginia agriculture. As the Commonwealth works to build a more reliable and affordable energy system, agrivoltaics provides a practical solution that supports rural communities, respects landowners’ decisions, and proves that clean energy and agriculture are stronger when they grow together.

Where We Went

Recent News

“Hitachi Energy is expanding its transformer manufacturing facility with a $457 million investment adding 826 new jobs. Creating what will become the largest facility of its kind in the United States.

The site has been producing transformers since 1968. Nearly 60 years later, company leaders say the expansion builds on that legacy.

The expansion will allow for the production of large transformers that power communities across North America. Company leaders say the project will double the workforce and nearly double the revenue generated at the facility.”

WHAT NEXT?

Want to keep up with Energy Right? Sign up, and forward to a friend!