Tag: energy
Prepare for higher electric bills
Dominion Energy is asking the Virginia State Corporation Commission to approve a 15 percent increase in the base rates for electricity over the next two years. That would result in an increase of over $20 per month for a typical residential homeowner. A homeowner using 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per month could see their … Continued
Gas company to impose a surcharge
Washington Gas customers in Virginia will pay higher bills from August through October 2025 to make up for warmer weather last winter. Due to above-average temperatures from October 2024 to May 2025, Washington Gas says it collected lower revenues than approved by the State Corporation Commission. As a result, the utility will impose a surcharge … Continued
Learn how to cut energy bills with solar
Learn how to get discounted rates for solar energy before the 30 percent federal tax credits for solar expire at the end of the year. Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez is hosting a Solar 101 workshop Saturday, July 26, 1 p.m., at the Mason Government Center. Representatives of Solarize Virginia and Switch Together will be … Continued
Rep. Beyer calls for more regulation of AI
Rep. Don Beyer warns that AI could have significant negative consequences if not regulated and lauded the promise of fusion energy at a recent forum hosted by the Democratic Business Council of Northern Virginia. Meanwhile, he said, his primary responsibility in Congress is promoting economic growth. “The faster the economy can grow, the better off … Continued
Committee suggests ways to make Mason District greener
There are dozens of ways to improve sustainability in Mason District, according to a committee of individuals knowledgeable in environmental issues. Mason District Supervisor Andres Jimenez appointed Ken Sandler, an expert in environmental science and policy, last April to convene a Greener Mason Advisory Committee. The committee was charged with proposing both long-term and short-term … Continued
Massive energy use by data centers could lead to higher electric bills
Energy demand is soaring in Virginia due to the boom in data centers, and that could result in higher utility bills for residential customers, according to a report released Dec. 9 by the General Assembly’s Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC). An independent forecast commissioned by JLARC found that “unconstrained demand for power in … Continued
Committee advises Jimenez on creating a greener Mason District
The Greener Mason Advisory Committee, a group set up by Supervisor Andres Jimenez, is development recommendations for making the environment of Mason District “measurably cleaner, healthier, and more pleasant.”
Funding available for EV charging stations
Community and homeowner associations can apply for technical assistance and partial reimbursement for installing electrical charging stations for residents. The application period for the Charge Up Fairfax Program opens on May 1. Communities accepted into the program will receive a site visit and a free assessment from an engineering firm. If the community association decides … Continued
FCPS gets 42 electric school buses
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has awarded Fairfax County Public Schools $16.5 million for 42 new electric school buses. The funds come from the Clean School Bus Program which was included in the bipartisan infrastructure law enacted during the Biden administration. “Every day, thousands of students, staff, and parents are in and around school buses, … Continued
Discounts offered on solar energy
With all eyes on the solar eclipse later today (figuratively, not literally, we hope), it’s a good time to think about making the most of the sun’s energy. This year marks the 10th anniversary of Solarize Virginia, a program that vets solar panel installation companies that provides discounts to homeowners. It’s offered by the Local Energy Alliance … Continued
HOAs and nonprofits can apply for energy conservation grants
Homeowner associations and nonprofit organizations interested in making their properties more energy efficient can apply for grants from Fairfax County’s Energy Conservation Assistance Program. Reimbursable grants of up to $15,000 can be used for energy audits, solar panels, cool roofs, weatherization, occupancy sensors, smart thermostats, LED lightbulbs, HVAC upgrades, window replacements, energy-efficient appliances, and related … Continued
HOAs can apply for funds to install EV charging stations
Fairfax County is launching a pilot program to help homeowner and condominium associations install electric vehicle charging stations. HOAs that are accepted into the Charge Up Fairfax program will receive a site visit and assessment from an engineering firm, paid for by the county. If the HOA decides to proceed with the project, it would … Continued
Fairfax County gets an electric trash truck
Fairfax County is rolling out its first electric trash truck, the Department of Public Works and Environmental Services announced Aug. 18. The truck will hold up to seven tons of recycling and up to 12 tons of trash. The public is invited to the official unveiling of the EV truck on Aug. 25, at 11 … Continued
Fairfax County is planning a ‘green bank’
Fairfax County is moving toward the establishment of a “green bank,” an entity that would facilitate the financing of clean energy projects. The green bank will boost the market for clean energy by providing the community with financial and technical assistance for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and electric vehicle projects A bill passed by … Continued
Discounts on solar available through Aug. 31
Fairfax County is teaming up with the nonprofit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) on Solarize Virginia, a program that makes it easier and cheaper for homeowners to switch to solar. Homeowners who sign up by Aug. 31 receive a free assessment and quote from a vetted solar installer and a guaranteed discounted rate. Through … Continued