Virginia rejoins RGGI as utilities prepare to pass costs to ratepayers
Updated
Updated · energynewsbeat.co · May 8
Virginia rejoins RGGI as utilities prepare to pass costs to ratepayers
12 articles · Updated · energynewsbeat.co · May 8
The state is set to re-enter the carbon market in July 2026 under Governor Abigail Spanberger, with recent allowance auctions at $25-$28 a ton and futures above $41.
Residential bills previously rose about $2-$4 a month during Virginia's first stint, and the state could collect hundreds of millions of dollars annually from allowance sales.
Supporters say revenue will fund efficiency, flood resilience and low-income aid, but critics cite studies linking RGGI states to faster electricity-price growth and limited extra emissions cuts.
As AI data centers consume Virginia's grid, can RGGI prevent soaring electricity bills for families?
Will Virginia’s carbon revenue fund climate solutions or become another high-speed rail boondoggle?