Energy efficiency reduces energy demand. Trying to optimize and minimize energy use should be the first step before looking to renewable energy. Energy efficiency and conservation offer Virginia the most cost-effective and readily deployable method to manage its energy future. As Virginia's population, business community, and energy needs continue to grow, energy efficiency and conservation can defer the need for new energy-supply facilities and the associated environmental burdens they place on land, water, and air resources.

Virginia Energy Plan: The Virginia Energy Plan provides an update on Virginia's current energy system and future recommendations.  

What is Green Power?

The term 'green power' refers to electricity supplied in whole or in part from renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, geothermal, hydropower, and various forms of biomass. Increasingly, electricity customers are being given electricity supply options, either as retail power markets open to competition or when their regulated utilities develop green pricing programs. More than 50% of retail customers in the United States now have an option of purchasing green power directly from their electricity supplier. In addition, consumers can support renewable energy development through the purchase of green energy.

Buy Certified Green Power from the EPA Green Power Partnership

Green power products that are available in Virginia.

Join the US EPA's Green Power Partnership Program

The Green Power Partnership is a voluntary program that supports the organizational procurement of green power. Many leading Fortune 500 companies, federal and state governments, universities and colleges, and various sized businesses are a part of this program.

By joining the program, businesses can receive expert advice on identifying the green products that best fit your facility needs. Also, “Green Power Leadership Awards” are awarded to outstanding purchases and achievements in the green power marketplace attracting publicity and recognition.

Renewable Energy

Renewable energy can include energy derived from sunlight, wind, falling water, sustainable biomass, wave motion, tides, and geothermal power, and does not include energy derived from coal, oil, natural gas or nuclear power as defined in the Virginia Electric Utility Restructuring Act. Code of Virginia Title 56, Chapter 23§ 56-576. 

For regulatory information, visit DEQ's Renewable Energy webpage. 

Alternative Fuels for Transportation

When Congress passed The Energy Policy Act (EPAct) in 1992, one of the goals was to encourage the use of alternative transportation fuels (not derived from petroleum) that could help reduce dependence on imported oil and improve air quality. EPAct, as amended, defines alternative fuels to include methanol, ethanol, and other alcohols; blends of 85% or more of alcohol with gasoline; natural gas and liquid fuels domestically produced from natural gas; liquefied petroleum gas (propane); coal-derived liquid fuels; hydrogen; electricity; biodiesel (B100); and P-Series.

Alternative Fuel Vehicles

The alternative fuels that are commercially available in Virginia or surrounding states include:

  • Biodiesel
  • Electric
  • Ethanol
  • Natural Gas
  • Propane