Virginia House considers bill to increase underground electric transmission projects

State Del. JJ Singh’s newly submitted bill seeks to expand opportunities for underground electric transmission lines in Virginia and revise standards for their authorization, as noted by the Virginia State House.

The proposal, designated HB1487, was brought forward on Jan. 23, 2026, during the 2026 regular session. Its summary reads: “Underground transmission lines; pilot program, clarifies qualifying projects, report.”

The summary below, generated from the official bill text, may incorporate explanatory interpretation for clarity.

Essentially, the legislation expands Virginia’s underground transmission line pilot program, increasing eligible projects from 2 to 4 and amending the approval process and qualifying requirements. The State Corporation Commission is empowered to authorize underground construction for select lines rated 69 to 230 kilovolts, submitted between July 1, 2025, and July 1, 2033. These projects would undergo expedited review with certain limited analyses. Adjustments are made to project eligibility standards—such as technical feasibility, cost constraints, and requirements for local government support resolutions based on grid reliability or economic development. The legislation directs annual filings and a final report on the program by December 1, 2033, and lets localities finance up to 50% of incremental undergrounding costs, including via a new utility levy on electricity customers.

The measure lists Rep. JJ Singh (Democrat-26th District) as chief patron, with Sen. Kannan Srinivasan (Democrat-32nd District), Rep. Stacey Annie Carroll (Democrat-64th District), and four additional co-sponsors.

Including this latest bill, Singh has introduced eight others during the current session.

Singh holds a BA from the University of Virginia (awarded in 2002) and an MBA from Harvard Business School (2010).

Singh, a member of the Democratic Party, joined the Virginia State House in 2025, succeeding former representative Kannan Srinivasan in the 26th District.

For context, Virginia’s bill process begins when legislation is introduced in either legislative chamber, followed by committee assignment, review and amendment. Committee-approved measures advance to floor votes in both the House and Senate. Enacted bills go to the governor for approval, veto, or enactment without signature. The General Assembly starts its regular session on the second Monday in January each year. Legislators put forward numerous bills each session, though not all ultimately become law.