Demand response programs; evaluation and assessment by Department of Energy, report.

This legislation requires the Virginia Department of Energy to conduct a comprehensive assessment of existing demand response programs across the state. These programs incentivize electricity consumers to temporarily reduce or shift their energy usage during periods of high demand to help stabilize the power grid and prevent outages. The study will evaluate the overall effectiveness, economic impact, and potential for expanding these initiatives to better serve Virginia residents and businesses. By identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement, the state aims to enhance grid reliability and promote more efficient energy management practices. This evaluation serves as a foundational step toward modernizing Virginia’s energy infrastructure and could ultimately lead to more stable utility costs and improved service reliability for Arlington residents and the broader regional power network.