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Happy Friday!
October 3rd, 2025
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This week, the Energy Right team met with many others at the Virginia Clean Energy Summit held in Richmond. Industry experts and community members led discussions around all topics VA-Energy related which extends to land rights and farming practices as well! We want to show how clean energy can be done, the Right Way.
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Land Use, Property Rights, and Energy Portfolio Expansion
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This week our team had the opportunity to attend the 2025 Virginia Clean Energy Summit (VACES) held in Richmond. The conference brought together developers, policymakers, advocates, and utility stakeholders to discuss the opportunities and challenges shaping Virginia’s energy future. A few themes came up repeatedly throughout the panel conversations that are worth highlighting: land use, property rights, and energy deployment.
One central topic discussed in length was how solar developers and local governments are approaching land use. Questions around zoning, property rights, and the balance between economic opportunity and community expectations remain front and center, and many panelists stressed that land use risk is often the most unpredictable factor in project development. Transmission capacity was another focus, as interconnection access continues to be a bottleneck for new energy projects. Without significant upgrades, even the most well-planned solar farms will struggle to connect to the grid, making this a pressing priority for regulators and utilities alike.
The conversations also touched on the growing decentralization of solar energy. Beyond utility-scale projects, there is increasing interest in community solar, co-ops, and onsite generation as ways to diversify the state’s clean energy portfolio while also easing strain on transmission infrastructure. A particularly nuanced discussion centered on permits grandfathered in before HB206 was enacted. While these projects are technically exempt from the law’s mitigation requirements, many localities are still pressuring developers to voluntarily comply. This has created a new dynamic between developers and county boards that will likely shape negotiations in the years ahead.
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From the Field
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Sheep at Crystal Hill Solar Site
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This flock of sheep is led to graze on Crystal Hill Solar Site in Halifax County. This example of agrivoltaics is one of our favorites, and demonstrates an approach that blends traditional farming values and progressive opportunities.
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Follow Us
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Americans are feeling the strain of higher electricity costs, and the numbers back it up. A new Heatmap Pro poll of more than 3,700 registered voters found that over half say rising energy prices are stretching their household budgets. About a quarter of respondents reported that electricity costs are affecting them “a lot,” while another third said the impact is “a decent amount.” This aligns with the broader trend: electricity prices have risen at more than twice the rate of inflation over the past year. What once felt like a distant policy issue is now squeezing tight budgeting plans of households.
Relieving this pressure means finding practical ways to expand supply and keep costs steady. The most effective step is to bring new energy projects online quickly and affordably—whether solar, natural gas, battery storage, or other sources. What matters is adding capacity to strengthen resilience and give communities more protection against volatility. Without new generation, prices are likely to keep climbing and families will continue to feel squeezed.
The encouraging news is that many solutions are already available. Solar farms are ready to be built, battery storage projects are in development, and other reliable technologies are positioned for deployment. In other words, the ingredients are on the table. What’s needed now is to make the most of them, turning today’s challenges into an opportunity for long-term affordability and energy security.
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Our team was in Augusta, Richmond City, Rockbridge, Rockingham, Russell, and Scott counties!
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Carroll County, VA
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On Friday, September 26th, the Energy Right team attended a community meeting in Carroll County where local officials and residents discussed strategies for building county resilience. By planning for and welcoming responsible energy projects, communities can strengthen their resilience while encouraging investments in local infrastructure. Generating energy locally helps power the economy, and infrastructure upgrades reduce the risk of future brownouts and blackouts. These efforts ensure that communities are better prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow
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Southwest Virginia lands $11M boost to reclaim abandoned coal mines
– Virginia Mercury
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Southwest Virginia is continuing its push to repurpose abandoned mine lands, with Gov. Glenn Youngkin announcing $11 million in new funding for projects that restore landscapes and drive economic growth. Since 2017, the program has supported 50 initiatives, from solar development to community revitalization, funded through federal infrastructure and energy transition legislation.
The effort reflects a broader strategy to replace coal’s declining footprint with sustainable industries, while addressing the region’s 100,000 acres of impacted land. By blending workforce development, infrastructure, and entrepreneurship, Southwest Virginia has an opportunity to transform former liabilities into long-term assets. Success will hinge on whether local leaders can convert these grants into durable economic engines beyond coal’s legacy.
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NEXT WEEK
We’ll be in Culpepper, Halifax, King George, and Russell Counties!
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Virginia’s electricity demand is surging, fueled by data centers, electrification, and advanced manufacturing, but experts warn the grid is struggling to keep up. At a Sept. 9 Richmond roundtable, leaders flagged long permitting delays, reliance on imported power, and policy uncertainty as key barriers. Solutions discussed included expanding retail choice, streamlining approvals, and fostering collaboration to balance growth with clean energy goals.
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