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Fairfax backs flexible solar authority and pushes SCC, Dominion interconnection review for fairer fee allocation
Summary
The committee discussed two EQAC proposals: authority for localities to require solar on buildings and parking lots (with caveats) and reallocation of Dominion interconnection costs that now fall fully on installers; staff recommended supporting state action and adding language to the county's package asking for fair allocation and continued monitoring of an SCC pilot and docket due Nov. 15, 2024.
Fairfax County supervisors on Oct. 29 discussed two solar-related proposals from the Environmental Quality Advisory Council: (1) asking the General Assembly for authority to mandate solar on buildings and parking lots in some circumstances, and (2) seeking a reallocation of interconnection costs that currently impose 100% of certain equipment costs on solar installers.
Kristin Kanaski, Assistant County Attorney, told the committee that mandatory solar authority requires careful examination because of unintended consequences — cost-prohibitive installations and sites that are not appropriately sited or sufficiently sunny. Staff recommended continued support for legislation that preserves county flexibility and that any specific mandate be returned to the legislative committee for review.
On interconnection fees, staff and the board noted a recent SCC order directing Dominion Energy to run a pilot study and open a docket; Joanna Bausch of the County Attorney’s Office said the revision filing is due Nov. 15, 2024. "That is due on 11/15/2024," she said. Supervisors said high interconnection costs can stall public projects such as school rooftop and parking-lot solar and encouraged adding language to the county’s legislative program to call for fair allocation of those fees.
John Morrill of the county’s environmental and energy coordination office said ongoing industry discussion is expected and recommended the county continue to press for fair cost allocation and incentives that encourage solar on public facilities when feasible.
No formal votes were taken; staff said they will track the SCC proceeding and refine legislative language for the board’s consideration.
