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In a bid to enhance community energy resilience during major weather events, the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) has secured $1 million in funding to establish the Virginia Energy Resilience program. This significant milestone was announced by department officials in a press release on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to ensuring reliable and affordable energy for all Virginians.
Addressing Energy Challenges in Big Stop Gap, Virginia
Located in the heart of Virginia, the community of Big Stop Gap is set to benefit from the Virginia Energy Resilience program. With a focus on improving energy resilience during extreme weather conditions, this initiative aims to provide peace of mind to businesses and families in the area. Virginia Energy Director Glenn Davis emphasized the importance of having a robust plan in place to prevent disruptions in essential services during winter storms.
Community-Centric Approach to Energy Resilience
The first phase of the project will extend planning assistance to 35 communities, particularly those that have been historically disadvantaged. By analyzing grid data and demographics, Virginia Energy and its partners will work closely with these communities to develop customized energy resilience plans. This collaborative effort will lay the foundation for a more resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure across the state.
In the second phase of the project, 10 communities will be selected to participate in the development of shovel-ready designs for solar and battery storage installations. These installations will not only enhance energy resilience but also serve as emergency shelters in the event of power outages, further strengthening the community’s ability to withstand adverse weather conditions.
Partnership for a Sustainable Energy Future
The Virginia Energy Resilience program has brought together a coalition of partners, including James Madison University’s Center for the Advancement of Sustainable Energy, The Clean Energy States Alliance, Resilient Virginia, The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia, and Virginia Clean Cities. This collaborative effort aims to leverage cutting-edge technologies and expertise to address energy challenges and deliver greater resilience to communities throughout the Commonwealth.
JMU CASE Executive Director Jonathan Miles highlighted the role of cleaner and more reliable energy technologies in enabling practical energy solutions for communities. The partnership with Virginia Energy will harness these technologies and the collective expertise of experts statewide to build a more resilient energy infrastructure for the future.
Empowering Communities for a Sustainable Future
Community engagement is at the core of the Virginia Energy Resilience program, with a strong emphasis on working closely with local governments and residents to develop tailored solutions. Annette Osso, Managing Director of Resilient Virginia, expressed her team’s commitment to reducing disruptions caused by extreme weather events and empowering communities to build a more sustainable future.
The Solar Workgroup of Southwest Virginia is enthusiastic about collaborating with communities in the coalfields to develop energy resilience plans using solar and battery storage. By hosting conversations and working directly with communities, this initiative aims to increase their resilience and ability to recover swiftly from power outages.
Join the Resilience Movement
Communities interested in participating in the Virginia Energy Resilience program or seeking more information can reach out to Virginia Energy at resilience@energy.virginia.gov. This initiative is part of a broader effort across the United States, with Virginia being one of 20 projects selected for the RACER funding.
As Virginia takes proactive steps towards building a more resilient energy infrastructure, the Virginia Energy Resilience program stands as a beacon of hope for communities across the state. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and community engagement, this initiative is paving the way for a more sustainable and resilient energy future in Virginia.
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