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Staff Geothermal Workgroup Report Filed
Staff of the Virginia State Corporation Commission filed its Geothermal Workgroup Report.
Staff’s report among other things recommends adopting: (1) a tiered verification approach with: (i) a three-tier system “with clear boundaries at 50 tons and 284 tons”; (ii) proportional verification requirements, where “Class 1 systems (0-50 tons) would utilize formula-based approaches with statistical verification, Class 2 systems (50-284 tons) would employ hybrid approaches combining formulas with electrical metering, and Class 3 systems (284+ tons) would require revenue-grade thermal metering”, and (iii) technology-neutral implementation with requirements “based on system capacity and performance characteristics”; (2) a G-REC calculation methodology employing: (i) standardized, transparent calculations; (ii) equipment ratings based on “third-party certified performance data from AHRI databases”; and (iii) a conservative approach that errs on the side of underestimation, with periodic updates to “incorporate new technological developments and lessons learned from implementation experience”; (3) a timeline “with phased implementation beginning in 2026, periodic review and adjustment mechanisms, and integration with existing GATS processes”; and (4) supporting recommendations: (i) “Workforce development and training programs”; (ii) “Consumer education initiatives”; (iii) “Technical assistance for smaller installers”; and (iv) “Regular program evaluation and updates.”
As background the SCC is proposing to update the Generation Attribute Tracking System (GATS) Business Rules to address geothermal heating and cooling systems, which are listed as possible eligible sources for RPS compliance as long as they are located in Virginia. The SCC is specifically proposing to update the GATS business rules to state that “RPS eligible sources that do not produce metered electricity will utilize a meter that meets equivalent accuracy levels [to the ANSI C-12 standard] in determining the heat content that will be used to calculate the renewable thermal energy equivalent as defined in § 56-576.”
