Ceres celebrates Virginia Energy Plan’s focus on clean energy, affordability

Ceres commends Gov. Abigail Spanberger for her focus on clean energy, power grid modernization, and affordability in the 2026 Virginia Energy Plan. 

“Clean energy is cheap energy, and Gov. Spanberger's Energy Plan puts those facts to work,” said Kelly Trombley, senior director, state policy, Ceres. “Businesses want to invest in Virginia, and affordable, reliable power is at the top of their list. As electricity demand climbs, modernizing the grid and scaling up wind, solar, storage and clean vehicles is the surest way to keep bills in check over the long term. We look forward to working with the administration and state lawmakers to implement many of these actions." 

Governors in the Commonwealth release a Virginia Energy Plan every four years that outlines energy priorities for the next decade while maintaining the state’s commitment to a net-zero carbon economy by 2045.  

The 2026 Energy Plan, released today, reflects recommendations Ceres submitted to Gov. Spanberger’s office and Virginia Energy earlier this year, including actions to modernize and maximize the use of the existing grid, electrify transportation, make buildings more efficient, and bring more transparency to utility planning processes. With action from the General Assembly, Virginia has an opportunity to drive clean energy growth and tackle rising electricity demand to bring prices down for consumers and businesses. 

Ceres and major businesses have advocated in state legislatures across the country for policies to unlock cheaper energy by optimizing grid capacity, accelerating interconnection processes for clean energy, and expanding energy efficiency and demand flexibility programs. Ceres also released “Powering Affordability: A Business-Backed Playbook for a Modern Clean Energy System” earlier this year, outlining these ideas in more detail for policymakers in Virginia and beyond.  

About Ceres  

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.