Energy Policy
Our goal is to ensure a reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy supply, often balancing economic growth with environmental protection. It often includes various aspects including legislation and other local policy tools
Learn more about our Clean Energy initiatives:
CPACE
CPACE is a clean energy financing tool that provided 100% upfront capital to property owners who want to upgrade their buildings with energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water management systems. The City of Richmond’s ordinance to join the statewide program passed in September 2023.
This financing is for projects such as:
Energy efficiency: Upgrades like HVAC systems, lighting, and insulation.
Renewable energy: Projects like solar panels.
Water conservation: Installing water-efficient fixtures and systems.
Resiliency projects: Upgrades like seismic retrofits and stormwater management.
Additional Resources:
RGGI stands for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. It's a cooperative, market-based effort among states in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic United States to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the power sector.
Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
Several environmental organizations filed a lawsuit arguing that the governor's action to withdraw Virginia from RGGI was unlawful. A court agreed, ruling that the withdrawal was indeed unlawful and that the state must remain part of the program. The state is appealing this ruling, and Virginia remains out of RGGI while the appeal is pending.
Additional Resources:
Energy Conservation Administrative Regulation
The purpose of the Energy Management Policy for Municipal Operations is to reduce the consumption of energy in the City of Richmond and increase renewable energy sources, thereby reducing operating costs, improving energy resilience, mitigating climate impacts, reducing the city’s vulnerability to climate change, and fostering a city culture that values environmental, social and economic sustainability as supported by the city’s Office of Sustainability (OOS).
The City of Richmond is dedicated to reducing energy consumption, energy costs, and greenhouse gases. Gains in efficiency and investment in renewable energy can yield significant financial and environmental benefits, and strategic management of these resources enables the cost-effective delivery of city services to the public. Per RVAgreen, the city is committed to achieving a 45% reduction in GHG emissions by 2030, below 2008 levels, and net-zero energy (i.e., total GHG emissions) by 2050. The Administrative Regulation Energy Conservation policy aligns with the goals of RVAgreen.
