Electric substation construction agreements; "electric cooperatives" or "cooperative", definitions.

Replaced an amendment to an existing section with a new, standalone section (56-594.01:2) specifically for electric substation construction agreements.

Changed the trigger for action from a member petitioning the Commission to the cooperative and member negotiating a joint agreement filed for informational purposes.

Added specific procedural requirements including a 60-day inspection window after substantial completion and a 120-day deadline for the cooperative to propose a draft agreement if requested.

Established a formal dispute resolution process and a fee schedule for the Commission to adjudicate petitions if the cooperative fails to negotiate in good faith.

Clarified that the member bears all costs for construction and future operation/maintenance, and explicitly excluded these costs from general rates paid by other ratepayers.

Added a new definition for 'Electric cooperative' and included an exemption clause stating that other chapters of the utility code do not apply to these specific agreements.

The legislative vehicle changed from adding a new section to amending an existing section regarding cooperative member rights.

A new requirement mandates that members constructing substations must pay prevailing wages, participate in apprenticeship programs, and hire local workers.

Provisions regarding the Public Service Commission's ability to order negotiations and establish specific fee schedules for adjudication were removed.

The specific definition of an 'electric cooperative' found in the original version was removed, as the amendment now relies on the existing definition in the Code.

A new section was added to the Code of Virginia specifically for electric substation construction agreements.

The original text of § 56-231.30 regarding member rights and liabilities was removed and replaced by the new section.

Eligibility criteria were updated to require a member demand of at least 20 megawatts and a 230 kilovolt interconnection point.

The financial responsibility was shifted so the member must pay for all construction costs, whereas the draft suggested the cooperative would build it.

New mandatory steps were added, including a written notification of completion, a 60-day inspection window, and a formal transfer of ownership.

New mechanisms were created to force a cooperative to negotiate an agreement if they fail to respond within 120 days, along with a fee schedule for Commission adjudication.