Virginia lawmakers back bill adding geothermal to renewable energy standard

A measure brought forward by State Del. JJ Singh seeks to widen the scope of Virginia’s renewable energy portfolio to include geothermal heating and cooling systems as qualifying resources, as reported by the Virginia State House.

The proposal passed the General Assembly, having been enrolled on March 9, 2026, after securing a 71-27 vote in the House and a 24-16 margin in the Senate.

Filed as HB1102 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the regular session, the bill is described by the legislature as: “Renewable energy portfolio standard program; energy from geothermal heating/cooling systems, report.”

Below is our analysis, reflecting the exact statutory language, with additional interpretation to clarify its requirements.

This legislation adds geothermal heating and cooling systems to the list of Virginia’s renewable energy portfolio standard resources and directs electric utilities to procure and retire renewable energy certificates attributed to these systems beginning in 2027, with rising minimum thresholds over time. It provides definitions for geothermal systems, outlines certificate calculation procedures, and increases financial penalties for utilities that do not fulfill geothermal-related procurement goals. The law also requires the State Corporation Commission to submit a report on geothermal certificate procurement by Nov. 1, 2028, and directs the Real Estate Appraiser Board to develop continuing education related to valuation of energy cost reductions from solar and geothermal investments, with a progress update due Nov. 1, 2026.

The bill passed in the House with support from 63 Democrats and eight Republicans, while 27 Republicans voted against it.

It similarly cleared the Senate, backed by 21 Democrats and three Republicans, with 16 Republican members opposing.

Principal sponsors include Del. JJ Singh (Democrat-26th District), Del. Amy J. Laufer (Democrat-55th District), Del. Rodney T. Willett (Democrat-58th District), and one additional co-sponsor.

Singh earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Virginia in 2002 and a degree from Harvard Business School in 2010.

Singh, affiliated with the Democratic Party, was elected to the Virginia State House in 2025 for the 26th District, taking over the seat from Kannan Srinivasan.

In Virginia, the legislative process commences with a bill’s introduction in either legislative chamber. After committee assignments for review and possible amendments, the measure faces full floor votes in both the House of Delegates and the Senate. Once approved by both bodies, it moves to the governor, who may approve, veto, or allow the bill to become law without a signature. The Virginia General Assembly inaugurates its regular session on the second Monday of January each year. While hundreds of bills are proposed annually, only a fraction are enacted.

Details for this report originate from the Virginia State House. The source data is available here.