The Annual Report edition of the Current Communicator member newsletter has mailed and will be landing in mailboxes soon! The newsletter includes key updates, Director Elections, and Bylaws Changes. We encourage members to take a moment to read through it once it lands in your mailbox. Fill out and sign the proxy form enclosed in the newsletter envelope and return to CVEC by Monday, September 14.
The web version is available on the Current Communicator Newsletter page.
Letter from the President (Excerpt from the Annual Report edition of CVEC’s Current Communicator)
Members are encouraged to participate in CVEC’s 89th Annual Meeting on September 16, 2026. This year’s proxy includes the election of Directors and ratification of bylaws changes. As a member-owner of the Cooperative, your voice matters. Voting is one of the most important ways you can help guide the future of CVEC. We encourage you to review the information provided and cast your vote today.
The July heat wave brought some of the highest electricity demand of the season as homes and businesses used more electricity to try and stay cool. These periods of heavy demand also increase power costs, which is why CVEC continues to invest in a diverse mix of power supply resources to help manage expenses while maintaining the reliable service you depend on.
One of the latest efforts is the addition of battery energy storage systems at our Colleen and Piney River substations. The two 4-megawatt (MW) battery systems have been delivered and are currently being installed. Once they become operational this fall, the batteries will help reduce peak demand by discharging stored energy during times of highest electricity use. This “peak shaving” capability will help CVEC better manage wholesale power costs while supporting system reliability.
These battery projects are part of a broader strategy to strengthen our power supply portfolio. The Midway Solar project came online earlier this year, adding approximately 8MW of renewable energy to our portfolio. Work is also underway on a battery storage project in Appomattox, and planning has begun for a future battery system in Ferncliff. In addition, CVEC has secured power through the Potomac Energy Center in Loudoun County, providing a dependable source of natural gas fueled generation. Together, these investments will help diversify our energy resources, improve flexibility, and reduce our exposure to rising wholesale power costs.
While recent Power Cost Adjustment (PCA) changes have helped address rising wholesale power costs in recent years, they are not a sustainable long-term solution given the challenges facing today’s power supply market. We will continue to provide updates and information throughout the process, so members understand what to expect and why these changes are necessary.
Even with these measures in place, this fall CVEC will begin the process of filing for a rate increase with the Virginia State Corporation Commission. The increase in base rates will address the increases to operating costs and debt service for new substation and transmission line construction. If approved, the new base rates are expected to take effect in May 2027.
Beyond maintaining and improving our electric system, we remain committed to serving our communities. Thank you for your continued support and membership. It is our privilege to serve
you, and we remain focused on managing costs, maintaining reliability, and investing in the future for the benefit of all our members.