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Elkton council approves joining VMEA battery storage project, cites modest first‑year net gain
Summary
On July 7, 2025 the Elkton Town Council voted 6‑0 to approve participation in a Virginia Municipal Electric Association (VMEA) battery energy storage agreement. Town officials said Elkton’s share is small (1.9%) with an estimated $5,000 up‑front cost and an anticipated roughly $55,000 net benefit in the first year.
The Elkton Town Council voted 6‑0 on July 7 to approve participation in a Virginia Municipal Electric Association (VMEA) Battery Energy Storage System Output Purchase Agreement, contingent on the City of Harrisonburg’s approval. Council member Virginia Fulginiti moved the measure and Vice‑Mayor Rick Workman seconded it.
Town Manager Greg Lunsford told council that the agreement would place batteries in Harrisonburg and Manassas, that the Town’s allocated share of the VMEA project is 1.9 percent, and that estimated construction and installation costs for the overall project are about $250,000. Elkton’s share of those costs was described as roughly $5,000. Lunsford estimated the town could see about a $55,000 net gain in the first year if the project proceeds as outlined.
Council also adopted a related resolution approving membership in the battery project by the same 6‑0 roll call. The minutes record YEAS for R. Workman, V. Fulginiti, J. Hensley, R. Michael, A. Napotnik and L. Heidel; the mayor’s vote is not recorded in the roll call as presented in the minutes.
The agreement was approved on the condition that the City of Harrisonburg signs on; council discussed that VMEA would provide participating members with "peak shaving" benefits at times of high system demand through Dominion Energy and that the exact financial returns depend on the project’s operating profile and member participation.
No implementation date or detailed contract language was read into the record at the meeting. The town manager recommended that the mayor sign the agreement once Harrisonburg’s approval is confirmed.
Next steps: the town manager will follow up on the status of Harrisonburg’s approval and return to the council if there are material changes to the town’s expected costs or revenues.
