NORFOLK, Va. — Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger today announced the next pillar of her plan to make the Commonwealth more affordable as the next Governor of Virginia, particularly by lowering Virginians’ energy bills.

Standing on the front lawn of the home of a Norfolk resident who previously faced high energy bills, Spanberger laid out a new slate of policy priorities her administration will focus on to lower costs for Virginians. Alongside industry professionals and local leaders, she made clear how she will prioritize lowering Virginians’ energy bills, building a statewide strategy to make Virginia more energy independent, and standing up for Virginia against threats from the federal government.

“As the next Governor of Virginia, I will be focused on lowering costs and making Virginians’ bills more affordable — because I know that affordable energy is essential to driving economic growth,” said Spanberger during the event. “At a time when the federal government is trying to raise Virginians’ energy costs — including by slashing LIHEAP funding and cutting wind and solar tax credits that help us build affordable energy right now — and threatening local jobs, we need a Governor who will make energy more affordable for Virginia consumers.”

Today’s event was held outside the home of Gwendolyn Bailey, a Norfolk resident who recently made her home more energy efficient through weatherization. Before introducing Spanberger, Bailey made clear why Virginians need a Governor who is focused on lowering energy bills — and making sure Virginians know the resources available to help bring down their costs.

“I, like so many other Virginians, know what it’s like to be faced with an energy bill each month that’s more than you can afford. And a bill that seems like it’s always going up,” said Bailey. “We need a Governor who is going to prioritize lowering energy costs. And Abigail Spanberger has a plan to make sure more Virginians don’t just know about the energy-efficient measures available to them, but know how to use them and bring down their costs, just like I was able to.”

Spanberger was also joined by Senator Angelia Williams Graves (SD-21) and Delegate Bonita G. Anthony (HD-92), who both spoke to the need for a Governor who is focused on making Virginia more affordable — as well as Delegate Phil Hernandez (HD-94).

“Families in Norfolk, across Hampton Roads, and across Virginia deserve a Governor who is focused on making it more affordable for them to call Virginia home. Abigail Sanberger is going to be that Governor come January,” said Williams Graves. “Abigail has been laying out real plans to bring down Virginians’ costs — and I know she will be a Governor who is actually focused on addressing the biggest challenges Virginians face, not just talking about them.”

“Virginians want someone in the Governor’s office who will make sure their families and their businesses can thrive. Our neighbors have real concerns — from the high cost of housing to the dollar amount on their monthly energy bills,” said Anthony. “I know Abigail will always listen to Virginians and put their concerns first, and I look forward to working with her in Richmond to deliver for Virginia families.”

As Governor of Virginia, Spanberger will focus on lowering housing costs for Virginia renters and homeowners — and the key priorities she outlined today include:

• Making Virginia more energy independent by increasing local generation.
• Making sure data centers don’t drive up energy costs for everyone else in Virginia.
• Reducing consumers’ bills and wasted electricity by maximizing the use of energy efficiency measures, such as home weatherization.
• Preventing skyrocketing energy bills for Virginia families by making better use of existing resources.
• Addressing regulatory issues to speed up new energy projects, drive down costs, and increase certainty.
• Ensuring that eligible Virginians are making use of the resources currently available to them to lower their energy bills.

Click here for more information outlining Spanberger’s policy proposals.

BACKGROUND

Today’s announcement comes as Spanberger continues to lay out her agenda to make Virginia more affordable.

Last month, Spanberger laid out her key priorities to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs for Virginia’s seniors and working families. And just last Friday, she announced her plan to lower housing costs for renters and buyers in Virginia.

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