Virginia's House Bill 910, introduced on November 18, 2024, aims to enhance transparency regarding energy consumption in the state's growing data center industry. The bill mandates that all data centers in Virginia submit quarterly reports detailing their energy usage, broken down by source. This initiative is designed to provide the public with aggregate, de-identified data on energy consumption, which will be published on the Virginia Department of Energy's website.

The bill, patroned by Delegate Srinivasan, also establishes a work group led by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. This group will assess the future energy demands of the data center sector, incorporating insights from various stakeholders, including the Department of Energy, electric utilities, and representatives from the data center industry. The findings are expected to be reported to the General Assembly by November 30, 2024.

The introduction of HB 910 comes amid growing concerns about the environmental impact of data centers, which are notorious for their high energy consumption. Proponents argue that increased transparency will encourage data centers to adopt more sustainable practices and help the state plan for future energy needs. However, some industry representatives have expressed concerns about the potential administrative burden of the reporting requirements.

As Virginia continues to position itself as a hub for technology and data services, the implications of this bill could be significant. By fostering a clearer understanding of energy usage patterns, the state may be better equipped to address energy sustainability and infrastructure challenges in the years to come. The outcome of the work group's findings could also influence future legislation and energy policies in Virginia, making this bill a pivotal step in aligning the state's economic growth with environmental responsibility.