{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-594.2.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-594.2.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-594.2.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-594.2.html"}],"law_id":78424,"edition_id":1,"section_id":78424,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.2","catch_line":"Small agricultural generators","history":"2017, cc. 565, 581; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 266.","full_text":"A\n\nAs used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Small agricultural generating facility” means an electrical generating facility that:1\n\nHas a capacity:\n\t\t\t\ta. Of not more than 1.5 megawatts; and\n\t\t\t\tb. That does not exceed 150 percent of the customer’s expected annual energy consumption based on the previous 12 months of billing history or an annualized calculation of billing history if 12 months of billing history is not available;2\n\nUses as its total source of fuel renewable energy;3\n\nIs located on the customer’s premises and is interconnected with its utility through a separate meter;4\n\nIs interconnected and operated in parallel with an electric utility’s distribution but not transmission facilities;5\n\nIs designed so that the electricity generated by the facility is expected to remain on the utility’s distribution system; and6\n\nIs a qualifying small power production facility pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-617).\n\t\t\t\t“Small agricultural generator” means a customer that:1\n\nIs not an eligible agricultural customer-generator pursuant to § 56-594;2\n\nOperates a small agricultural generating facility as part of (i) an agricultural business or (ii) any business granted a manufacturer license pursuant to subdivisions 1 through 6 of § 4.1-206.1;3\n\nMay be served by multiple meters that are located at separate but contiguous sites;4\n\nMay aggregate the electricity consumption measured by the meters, solely for purposes of calculating 150 percent of the customer’s expected annual energy consumption, but not for billing or retail service purposes, provided that the same utility serves all of its meters;5\n\nUses not more than 25 percent of contiguous land owned or controlled by the agricultural business for purposes of the renewable energy generating facility; and6\n\nIssues a certification under oath as to the amount of land being used for renewable generation.\n\t\t\t\t“Utility” includes supplier or distributor, as applicable.B\n\nA small agricultural generator electing to interconnect pursuant to this section shall:1\n\nEnter into a power purchase agreement with its utility to sell all of the electricity generated from its small agricultural generating facility, which power purchase agreement obligates the utility to purchase all the electricity generated, at a rate agreed upon by the parties, but at a rate not less than the utility’s Commission-approved avoided cost tariff for energy and capacity;2\n\nHave the rights described in subsection E of § 56-594 pertaining to an eligible agricultural customer-generator as to the renewable energy certificates or other environmental attributes generated by the renewable energy generating facility;3\n\nAbide by the appropriate small generator interconnection process as described in 20VAC5-314; and4\n\nPay to its utility any necessary additional expenses as required by this section.C\n\nUtilities:1\n\nShall purchase, through the power purchase agreement described in subdivision B 1, all of the output of the small agricultural generator;2\n\nShall recover the cost for its distribution facilities to the generating meter either through a proportional cost-sharing agreement with the small agricultural generator or through metering the total capacity and energy placed on the distribution system by the small agricultural generator;3\n\nShall recover all costs incurred by the utility to purchase electricity, capacity, and renewable energy certificates from the small agricultural generator:\n\t\t\t\ta. If the utility has a Commission-approved Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) plan and rate adjustment clause, through the utility’s RPS rate adjustment clause; or\n\t\t\t\tb. If the utility does not have a Commission-approved RPS rate adjustment clause, through the utility’s fuel adjustment clause or through the utility’s cost of purchased power;4\n\nMay conduct settlement transactions for purchased power in dollars on the small agricultural generator’s electric bill or through other means of settlement, in the utility’s sole discretion;5\n\nShall bill the small agricultural generator eligible costs for small generator interconnection studies required pursuant to the appropriate small generator interconnection process described in subdivision B 3; and6\n\nShall bill its expenses, at cost, for any additional engineering studies that a small agricultural generator is required to pay prior to interconnection.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":281060,"text":"As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Small agricultural generating facility” means an electrical generating facility that:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":281061,"text":"Has a capacity:\n\t\t\t\ta. Of not more than 1.5 megawatts; and\n\t\t\t\tb. That does not exceed 150 percent of the customer’s expected annual energy consumption based on the previous 12 months of billing history or an annualized calculation of billing history if 12 months of billing history is not available;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":281062,"text":"Uses as its total source of fuel renewable energy;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":281063,"text":"Is located on the customer’s premises and is interconnected with its utility through a separate meter;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":281064,"text":"Is interconnected and operated in parallel with an electric utility’s distribution but not transmission facilities;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"5":{"id":281065,"text":"Is designed so that the electricity generated by the facility is expected to remain on the utility’s distribution system; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"6":{"id":281066,"text":"Is a qualifying small power production facility pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-617).\n\t\t\t\t“Small agricultural generator” means a customer that:","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"A1"},"7":{"id":281067,"text":"Is not an eligible agricultural customer-generator pursuant to § 56-594;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"A2"},"8":{"id":281068,"text":"Operates a small agricultural generating facility as part of (i) an agricultural business or (ii) any business granted a manufacturer license pursuant to subdivisions 1 through 6 of § 4.1-206.1;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"9":{"id":281069,"text":"May be served by multiple meters that are located at separate but contiguous sites;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"10":{"id":281070,"text":"May aggregate the electricity consumption measured by the meters, solely for purposes of calculating 150 percent of the customer’s expected annual energy consumption, but not for billing or retail service purposes, provided that the same utility serves all of its meters;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"A5"},"11":{"id":281071,"text":"Uses not more than 25 percent of contiguous land owned or controlled by the agricultural business for purposes of the renewable energy generating facility; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"A5","prefix_anchor":"A5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"A6"},"12":{"id":281072,"text":"Issues a certification under oath as to the amount of land being used for renewable generation.\n\t\t\t\t“Utility” includes supplier or distributor, as applicable.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"A6","prefix_anchor":"A6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A5","next_prefix":"B"},"13":{"id":281073,"text":"A small agricultural generator electing to interconnect pursuant to this section shall:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A6","next_prefix":"B1"},"14":{"id":281074,"text":"Enter into a power purchase agreement with its utility to sell all of the electricity generated from its small agricultural generating facility, which power purchase agreement obligates the utility to purchase all the electricity generated, at a rate agreed upon by the parties, but at a rate not less than the utility’s Commission-approved avoided cost tariff for energy and capacity;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"15":{"id":281075,"text":"Have the rights described in subsection E of § 56-594 pertaining to an eligible agricultural customer-generator as to the renewable energy certificates or other environmental attributes generated by the renewable energy generating facility;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"16":{"id":281076,"text":"Abide by the appropriate small generator interconnection process as described in 20VAC5-314; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"17":{"id":281077,"text":"Pay to its utility any necessary additional expenses as required by this section.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"C"},"18":{"id":281078,"text":"Utilities:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"C1"},"19":{"id":281079,"text":"Shall purchase, through the power purchase agreement described in subdivision B 1, all of the output of the small agricultural generator;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"20":{"id":281080,"text":"Shall recover the cost for its distribution facilities to the generating meter either through a proportional cost-sharing agreement with the small agricultural generator or through metering the total capacity and energy placed on the distribution system by the small agricultural generator;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"21":{"id":281081,"text":"Shall recover all costs incurred by the utility to purchase electricity, capacity, and renewable energy certificates from the small agricultural generator:\n\t\t\t\ta. If the utility has a Commission-approved Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (RPS) plan and rate adjustment clause, through the utility’s RPS rate adjustment clause; or\n\t\t\t\tb. If the utility does not have a Commission-approved RPS rate adjustment clause, through the utility’s fuel adjustment clause or through the utility’s cost of purchased power;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"22":{"id":281082,"text":"May conduct settlement transactions for purchased power in dollars on the small agricultural generator’s electric bill or through other means of settlement, in the utility’s sole discretion;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"23":{"id":281083,"text":"Shall bill the small agricultural generator eligible costs for small generator interconnection studies required pursuant to the appropriate small generator interconnection process described in subdivision B 3; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"C6"},"24":{"id":281084,"text":"Shall bill its expenses, at cost, for any additional engineering studies that a small agricultural generator is required to pay prior to interconnection.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"C6","prefix_anchor":"C6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C5"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13084,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act","identifier":"23","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12881,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:15","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:15","permalink":{"id":250597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13084,"identifier":"23","token":"56\/23","url":"\/56\/23\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12881,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Service Companies","identifier":"56","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":248473,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12881,"identifier":"56","token":"56","url":"\/56\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":62210,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-576","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/56-576\/","token":"56\/23\/56-576","metadata":false},{"id":79838,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-577","catch_line":"Schedule for transition to retail competition; Commission authority; exemptions; pilot programs","url":"\/56-577\/","token":"56\/23\/56-577","metadata":false},{"id":69790,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-577.1","catch_line":"Electric utilities; retail competition; pilot program","url":"\/56-577.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-577.1","metadata":false},{"id":66769,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-578","catch_line":"Nondiscriminatory access to transmission and distribution system","url":"\/56-578\/","token":"56\/23\/56-578","metadata":false},{"id":76158,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-579","catch_line":"Regional transmission entities","url":"\/56-579\/","token":"56\/23\/56-579","metadata":false},{"id":77551,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-580","catch_line":"Transmission and distribution of electric energy","url":"\/56-580\/","token":"56\/23\/56-580","metadata":false},{"id":76009,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-581","catch_line":"Regulation of rates subject to Commission's jurisdiction","url":"\/56-581\/","token":"56\/23\/56-581","metadata":false},{"id":70038,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-581.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-581.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-581.1","metadata":false},{"id":75586,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-582","catch_line":"Rate caps","url":"\/56-582\/","token":"56\/23\/56-582","metadata":false},{"id":60164,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-583","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-583\/","token":"56\/23\/56-583","metadata":false},{"id":60319,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-584","catch_line":"Stranded costs","url":"\/56-584\/","token":"56\/23\/56-584","metadata":false},{"id":66252,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585","catch_line":"Default service","url":"\/56-585\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585","metadata":false},{"id":67687,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1","catch_line":"Generation, distribution, and transmission rates after capped rates terminate or expire","url":"\/56-585.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1","metadata":false},{"id":75688,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:1","catch_line":"Transitional Rate Period: review of rates, terms and conditions for utility generation facilities","url":"\/56-585.1_1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":86211,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:10","catch_line":"Program for electric infrastructure serving business parks","url":"\/56-585.1_10\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_10","metadata":false},{"id":82389,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:11","catch_line":"Development of offshore wind capacity","url":"\/56-585.1_11\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_11","metadata":false},{"id":82816,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:12","catch_line":"Multi-family shared solar program","url":"\/56-585.1_12\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_12","metadata":false},{"id":84410,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:13","catch_line":"Recovery of costs associated with investment in transportation electrification","url":"\/56-585.1_13\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_13","metadata":false},{"id":68074,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:14","catch_line":"(Effective until December 31, 2029) Recovery of development costs associated with small modular reactor","url":"\/56-585.1_14\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_14","metadata":false},{"id":86919,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:15","catch_line":"(Effective until July 1, 2034) Recovery of development costs associated with small modular nuclear facility","url":"\/56-585.1_15\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_15","metadata":false},{"id":54669,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:16","catch_line":"Virtual power plant pilot program","url":"\/56-585.1_16\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_16","metadata":false},{"id":68837,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:2","catch_line":"Pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization","url":"\/56-585.1_2\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_2","metadata":false},{"id":78934,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:3","catch_line":"Pilot programs for community solar development","url":"\/56-585.1_3\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_3","metadata":false},{"id":86978,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:4","catch_line":"Development of solar and wind generation and energy storage capacity in the Commonwealth","url":"\/56-585.1_4\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_4","metadata":false},{"id":75808,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:5","catch_line":"Pilot program for underground transmission lines","url":"\/56-585.1_5\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_5","metadata":false},{"id":73594,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:6","catch_line":"Pilot Programs to deploy electric power storage batteries","url":"\/56-585.1_6\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_6","metadata":false},{"id":73105,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:7","catch_line":"Pilot program for electric generation by public schools","url":"\/56-585.1_7\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_7","metadata":false},{"id":83744,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:8","catch_line":"Pilot program for municipal net energy metering","url":"\/56-585.1_8\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_8","metadata":false},{"id":78790,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.1:9","catch_line":"Provision of broadband capacity to unserved areas of the Commonwealth","url":"\/56-585.1_9\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.1_9","metadata":false},{"id":56958,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.2","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-585.2\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.2","metadata":false},{"id":87343,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.3","catch_line":"Regulation of cooperative rates after rate caps","url":"\/56-585.3\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.3","metadata":false},{"id":80324,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.4","catch_line":"Net energy metering transition provisions for electric cooperatives","url":"\/56-585.4\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.4","metadata":false},{"id":81665,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.5","catch_line":"Generation of electricity from renewable and zero carbon sources","url":"\/56-585.5\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.5","metadata":false},{"id":57139,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.6","catch_line":"Universal service fee; Percentage of Income Payment Program and Fund","url":"\/56-585.6\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.6","metadata":false},{"id":63065,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.7","catch_line":"On-bill tariff program; electric cooperatives","url":"\/56-585.7\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.7","metadata":false},{"id":84206,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-585.8","catch_line":"Biennial rate reviews","url":"\/56-585.8\/","token":"56\/23\/56-585.8","metadata":false},{"id":78391,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-586","catch_line":"Emergency service provider","url":"\/56-586\/","token":"56\/23\/56-586","metadata":false},{"id":60930,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-586.1","catch_line":"Electric energy emergencies","url":"\/56-586.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-586.1","metadata":false},{"id":63919,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-587","catch_line":"Licensure of retail electric energy suppliers and persons providing other competitive services","url":"\/56-587\/","token":"56\/23\/56-587","metadata":false},{"id":69085,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-588","catch_line":"Licensing of aggregators","url":"\/56-588\/","token":"56\/23\/56-588","metadata":false},{"id":57502,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-589","catch_line":"Municipal and state aggregation","url":"\/56-589\/","token":"56\/23\/56-589","metadata":false},{"id":59256,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-589.1","catch_line":"Energy generation by public school buildings and facilities","url":"\/56-589.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-589.1","metadata":false},{"id":86105,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-590","catch_line":"Divestiture, functional separation and other corporate relationships","url":"\/56-590\/","token":"56\/23\/56-590","metadata":false},{"id":67461,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-591","catch_line":"Application of antitrust laws","url":"\/56-591\/","token":"56\/23\/56-591","metadata":false},{"id":85339,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-592","catch_line":"Consumer education and marketing practices","url":"\/56-592\/","token":"56\/23\/56-592","metadata":false},{"id":75703,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-592.1","catch_line":"Consumer education program; scope and funding","url":"\/56-592.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-592.1","metadata":false},{"id":77066,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-593","catch_line":"Retail customers' private right of action; marketing practices","url":"\/56-593\/","token":"56\/23\/56-593","metadata":false},{"id":76060,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594","catch_line":"Net energy metering provisions","url":"\/56-594\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594","metadata":false},{"id":74615,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.01","catch_line":"Net energy metering provisions for electric cooperative service territories","url":"\/56-594.01\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.01","metadata":false},{"id":56626,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.01:1","catch_line":"Local facilities usage charges; electric cooperatives","url":"\/56-594.01_1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.01_1","metadata":false},{"id":66346,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.02","catch_line":"Solar-powered or wind-powered electricity generation; power purchase agreements; pilot programs","url":"\/56-594.02\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.02","metadata":false},{"id":82596,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.1","catch_line":"Interconnection by farms","url":"\/56-594.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.1","metadata":false},{"id":78424,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.2","catch_line":"Small agricultural generators","url":"\/56-594.2\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.2","metadata":false},{"id":54132,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.3","catch_line":"Shared solar programs; Phase II Utility","url":"\/56-594.3\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.3","metadata":false},{"id":80234,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.4","catch_line":"Shared solar programs; Phase I Utility","url":"\/56-594.4\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.4","metadata":false},{"id":77419,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-595","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/56-595\/","token":"56\/23\/56-595","metadata":false},{"id":69517,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596","catch_line":"Consideration of economic development; report","url":"\/56-596\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596","metadata":false},{"id":82462,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.1","catch_line":"New generating facilities utilizing energy derived from sunlight and from wind; report","url":"\/56-596.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.1","metadata":false},{"id":57383,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.2","catch_line":"Energy efficiency policy and programs; financial assistance for low-income customers","url":"\/56-596.2\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.2","metadata":false},{"id":80361,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.2:1","catch_line":"Incentives for energy conservation measures and solar energy equipment","url":"\/56-596.2_1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.2_1","metadata":false},{"id":70146,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.2:2","catch_line":"(Expires January 1, 2031) Energy efficiency savings targets for certain customers","url":"\/56-596.2_2\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.2_2","metadata":false},{"id":71672,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.3","catch_line":"Electric generation, transmission, and distribution; report","url":"\/56-596.3\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.3","metadata":false},{"id":54473,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.4","catch_line":"Electric utilities; local reliability data","url":"\/56-596.4\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.4","metadata":false},{"id":75595,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.5","catch_line":"Rate increases in certain months prohibited; Phase I Utility","url":"\/56-596.5\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.5","metadata":false},{"id":80765,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-596.6","catch_line":"Distribution cost sharing program","url":"\/56-596.6\/","token":"56\/23\/56-596.6","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":82596,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.1","catch_line":"Interconnection by farms","url":"\/56-594.1\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.1","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":54132,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-594.3","catch_line":"Shared solar programs; Phase II Utility","url":"\/56-594.3\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.3","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/56-594.2\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2017. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 565<\/a> and 581<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":[{"id":74569,"section_number":"15.2-2232","catch_line":"Legal status of plan","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2232\/"},{"id":63216,"section_number":"15.2-2288.7","catch_line":"Local regulation of solar facilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2288.7\/"},{"id":78550,"section_number":"15.2-2316.6","catch_line":"Definitions","order_by":null,"url":"\/15.2-2316.6\/"},{"id":83744,"section_number":"56-585.1:8","catch_line":"Pilot program for municipal net energy metering","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-585.1_8\/"},{"id":76060,"section_number":"56-594","catch_line":"Net energy metering provisions","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-594\/"},{"id":81349,"section_number":"58.1-2636","catch_line":"Revenue share for solar energy projects and energy storage systems","order_by":null,"url":"\/58.1-2636\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":85579,"section_number":"4.1-206.1","catch_line":"Manufacturer licenses","order_by":null,"url":"\/4.1-206.1\/"},{"id":76060,"section_number":"56-594","catch_line":"Net energy metering provisions","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-594\/"}],"permalink":{"id":250807,"object_type":"law","relational_id":78424,"identifier":"56-594.2","token":"56\/23\/56-594.2","url":"\/56-594.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-594.2\/","token":"56\/23\/56-594.2","dublin_core":{"Title":"Small agricultural generators","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-594.2","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Small agricultural generating facility<\/span>” means an electrical generating facility that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Has a capacity:\n\t\t\t\ta. Of not more than 1.5 megawatts; and\n\t\t\t\tb. That does not exceed 150 percent of the customer’s expected annual energy consumption based on the previous 12 months of billing history or an annualized calculation of billing history if 12 months of billing history is not available; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Uses as its total source of fuel renewable energy<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Is located on the customer’s premises and is interconnected with its utility<\/span> through a separate meter; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Is interconnected and operated in parallel with an electric utility<\/span>’s distribution but not transmission facilities; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Is designed so that the electricity generated by the facility is expected to remain on the utility’s distribution system; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Is a qualifying small power production facility pursuant to the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-617).\n\t\t\t\t“Small agricultural generator<\/span>” means a customer that: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Is not an eligible agricultural customer-generator pursuant to § 56-594<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Operates a small agricultural generating facility<\/span> as part of (i) an agricultural business or (ii) any business granted a manufacturer license pursuant to subdivisions 1 through 6 of § 4.1-206.1<\/a>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> May be served by multiple meters that are located at separate but contiguous sites; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> May aggregate the electricity consumption measured by the meters, solely for purposes of calculating 150 percent of the customer’s expected annual energy consumption, but not for billing or retail service purposes, provided that the same utility serves all of its meters; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Uses not more than 25 percent of contiguous land owned or controlled by the agricultural business for purposes of the renewable energy<\/span> generating facility; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Issues<\/span> a certification under oath<\/span> as to the amount of land being used for renewable generation.\n\t\t\t\t“Utility” includes supplier<\/span> or distributor<\/span>, as applicable. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> A small agricultural generator<\/span> electing to interconnect pursuant to this section shall: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Enter into a power purchase agreement with its utility to sell all of the electricity generated from its small agricultural generating facility<\/span>, which power purchase agreement obligates the utility to purchase all the electricity generated, at a rate<\/span> agreed upon by the parties, but at a rate<\/span> not less than the utility’s Commission<\/span>-approved avoided cost tariff for energy and capacity; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Have the rights described in subsection E of § 56-594<\/a> pertaining to an eligible agricultural customer-generator as to the renewable energy<\/span> certificates or other environmental attributes generated by the renewable energy<\/span> generating facility; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Abide by the appropriate small generator interconnection process as described in 20VAC5-314; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Pay to its utility any necessary additional expenses as required by this section. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Utilities: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Shall purchase, through the power purchase agreement described in subdivision B 1, all of the output of the small agricultural generator<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Shall recover the cost for its distribution facilities to the generating meter either through a proportional cost-sharing agreement with the small agricultural generator<\/span> or through metering the total capacity and energy placed on the distribution system by the small agricultural generator<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Shall recover all costs incurred by the utility to purchase electricity, capacity, and renewable energy<\/span> certificates from the small agricultural generator<\/span>:\n\t\t\t\ta. If the utility has a Commission<\/span>-approved Renewable Energy<\/span> Portfolio Standard (RPS) plan and rate<\/span> adjustment clause, through the utility’s RPS rate<\/span> adjustment clause; or\n\t\t\t\tb. If the utility does not have a Commission<\/span>-approved RPS rate<\/span> adjustment clause, through the utility’s fuel adjustment clause or through the utility’s cost of purchased power; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> May conduct settlement<\/span> transactions for purchased power in dollars on the small agricultural generator<\/span>’s electric bill or through other means of settlement<\/span>, in the utility’s sole discretion; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Shall bill the small agricultural generator<\/span> eligible costs for small generator interconnection studies required pursuant to the appropriate small generator interconnection process described in subdivision B 3; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Shall bill its expenses, at cost, for any additional engineering studies that a small agricultural generator<\/span> is required to pay prior to interconnection. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nSMALL AGRICULTURAL GENERATORS (\u00a7 56-594.2)\n\nA. As used in this section:\n\t\t\t“Small agricultural generating facility” means an electrical\ngenerating facility that:\n\n 1. Has a capacity:\n \t\t\t\ta. Of not more than 1.5 megawatts; and\n \t\t\t\tb. That does not exceed 150 percent of the customer’s expected\n annual energy consumption based on the previous 12 months of billing history\n or an annualized calculation of billing history if 12 months of billing\n history is not available;\n\n 2. Uses as its total source of fuel renewable energy;\n\n 3. Is located on the customer’s premises and is interconnected with its\n utility through a separate meter;\n\n 4. Is interconnected and operated in parallel with an electric utility’s\n distribution but not transmission facilities;\n\n 5. Is designed so that the electricity generated by the facility is expected\n to remain on the utility’s distribution system; and\n\n 6. Is a qualifying small power production facility pursuant to the Public\n Utility Regulatory Policies Act of 1978 (P.L. 95-617).\n \t\t\t\t“Small agricultural generator” means a customer that:\n\n 1. Is not an eligible agricultural customer-generator pursuant to §\n 56-594;\n\n 2. Operates a small agricultural generating facility as part of (i) an\n agricultural business or (ii) any business granted a manufacturer license\n pursuant to subdivisions 1 through 6 of § 4.1-206.1;\n\n 3. May be served by multiple meters that are located at separate but\n contiguous sites;\n\n 4. May aggregate the electricity consumption measured by the meters, solely\n for purposes of calculating 150 percent of the customer’s expected\n annual energy consumption, but not for billing or retail service purposes,\n provided that the same utility serves all of its meters;\n\n 5. Uses not more than 25 percent of contiguous land owned or controlled by the\n agricultural business for purposes of the renewable energy generating\n facility; and\n\n 6. Issues a certification under oath as to the amount of land being used for\n renewable generation.\n \t\t\t\t“Utility” includes supplier or distributor, as applicable.\n\nB. A small agricultural generator electing to interconnect pursuant to this\nsection shall:\n\n 1. Enter into a power purchase agreement with its utility to sell all of the\n electricity generated from its small agricultural generating facility, which\n power purchase agreement obligates the utility to purchase all the electricity\n generated, at a rate agreed upon by the parties, but at a rate not less than\n the utility’s Commission-approved avoided cost tariff for energy and\n capacity;\n\n 2. Have the rights described in subsection E of § 56-594 pertaining to an\n eligible agricultural customer-generator as to the renewable energy\n certificates or other environmental attributes generated by the renewable\n energy generating facility;\n\n 3. Abide by the appropriate small generator interconnection process as\n described in 20VAC5-314; and\n\n 4. Pay to its utility any necessary additional expenses as required by this\n section.\n\nC. Utilities:\n\n 1. Shall purchase, through the power purchase agreement described in\n subdivision B 1, all of the output of the small agricultural generator;\n\n 2. Shall recover the cost for its distribution facilities to the generating\n meter either through a proportional cost-sharing agreement with the small\n agricultural generator or through metering the total capacity and energy\n placed on the distribution system by the small agricultural generator;\n\n 3. Shall recover all costs incurred by the utility to purchase electricity,\n capacity, and renewable energy certificates from the small agricultural\n generator:\n \t\t\t\ta. If the utility has a Commission-approved Renewable Energy Portfolio\n Standard (RPS) plan and rate adjustment clause, through the utility’s\n RPS rate adjustment clause; or\n \t\t\t\tb. If the utility does not have a Commission-approved RPS rate adjustment\n clause, through the utility’s fuel adjustment clause or through the\n utility’s cost of purchased power;\n\n 4. May conduct settlement transactions for purchased power in dollars on the\n small agricultural generator’s electric bill or through other means of\n settlement, in the utility’s sole discretion;\n\n 5. Shall bill the small agricultural generator eligible costs for small\n generator interconnection studies required pursuant to the appropriate small\n generator interconnection process described in subdivision B 3; and\n\n 6. Shall bill its expenses, at cost, for any additional engineering studies\n that a small agricultural generator is required to pay prior to\n interconnection.\n\nHISTORY: 2017, cc. 565, 581; 2021, Sp. Sess. I, c. 266.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}