Category: Latest News

PROJECT WILL TRANSFORM HISTORIC SCHOOL INTO 17 NEW APARTMENTS, WHILE PRESERVING HISTORIC FEATURES

Chase City – The Chase City community gathered today to celebrate the groundbreaking of the Chase City Lofts project. Chase City is partnering with historic property developer Edwin Gaskin of Echelon Resources and the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) to transform a vacant school into a 17-unit apartment complex. The nearly $4 million revitalization project will prevent the building from falling into further decay, help to continue the revitalization of Chase City’s downtown, and provide dedicated workforce housing for the community. The project is being made possible in large part through a low-interest loan from the TRRC in partnership with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA).

“Seeing this school, which means so much to so many in our community, brought back to life is certainly something to celebrate,” said Chase City Mayor Alden Fahringer. “These new apartments will provide much-needed housing options for our residents, create additional revenue for the Town, bring new customers for local businesses, and help us build on the momentum we have created over the last several years. Thank you to everyone involved in helping us make this project a reality.”

“It’s a great day to be in Chase City! This project will bring new life and purpose to a town landmark,” said Chase City Town Manager Dusty Forbes.

Delegate Tommy Wright stated, “This is a great moment for Chase City and for all of Mecklenburg County. Taking a building that holds so much history and turning it into something that serves today’s needs is exactly how our communities move forward. Projects like this don’t just preserve the past but they create real opportunity, support working families, and bring new energy into our downtowns. I’m encouraged by the partnership behind this effort and optimistic about what it means for the future of Chase City and the surrounding region.”

“I am thrilled that the Tobacco Commission continues to find innovative ways to help our communities,” said Tobacco Commission Member Wayne Carter. “This is a perfect example of the positive outcomes we can create when the public sector and private sector work together on a project that will provide lasting benefits for our region. I’d like to thank our leaders here in Chase City and our partners at the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority for their commitment to doing the hard work behind the scenes to get us to today, and the developer, Edwin Gaskin, for his willingness to take on a unique project. This model, which we hope to expand to other communities, will help bring new life to our downtowns and main streets, address our workforce housing shortage, and allow the Commission to continue being a key partner for growth for many years to come.”

“Converting historic buildings like this one into residences, while carefully preserving the aspects that make them unique, allows the community to continue to enjoy them for generations to come,” said Owner of Echelon Resources Edwin Gaskin. “I am proud to have successfully developed several similar projects, and I am excited to have the opportunity to work with Chase City, the Tobacco Commission, VSBFA, and our other partners on this one. As a developer, I understand the positive impact introducing quality new housing options can have on a community and a downtown. I am looking forward to getting started and I am honored to play small part in the success of Chase City moving forward.”

The Commission has long focused on downtown revitalization as a catalyst for community growth. This project represents an evolution of that focus and presents a new model for success that can be replicated across the Commission’s Southern and Southwest Virginia footprint.

By offering loans at below-market interest rates, the Commission can preserve its capital and the ability to continue funding projects for years to come, while still offering strong incentives to move projects forward. The Chase City Lofts project likely would not have proceeded without this unique loan from the Commission, in combination with a forward-looking community and a developer with the experience and capacity to deliver a project while utilizing unique financing arrangements. TRRC intends to replicate this model in other communities.

Project Benefits

This project aligns with Commission goals in multiple areas:

Downtown revitalization – An area of focus for the Commission, this project will add 17 units to Chase City’s downtown area. In addition to additional tax revenue for the locality, local businesses will also benefit from increased traffic.

Addressing the workforce housing shortage – The Commission knows that a lack of workforce housing is a critical issue for many of our communities. In addition to adding 17 new units, 25% of the apartments will be reserved for households earning between 80% and 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI).

Historic preservation – While this is not an explicit area of focus, the Commission understands well that preserving the unique history and character of our communities is critical to their success. This project will stabilize and preserve a school that has a deep connection to the community and its past.

Fiscal benefit – This project transforms a vacant building, the ongoing maintenance and depreciation costs of which were a drag to the community, into a vibrant and attractive new development that will grow the town’s population, as well as its tax base.

Record set as part of VA250 Celebrations: America. Made In Virginia.

Martinsville, VA – Celebrations are underway as the “Martinsville Missile”, a NASCAR-spec stock car designed and built by Franklin County’s own Joey Arrington, set a new stock car speed record of 253 mph. With Ridgeway drag racer Tommy Hurley at the wheel the Martinsville Missile roared down the runway at Kennedy Space Center’s Shuttle Landing Facility in Brevard County, Florida. The International Hot Rod Association (IHRA) partnered on the project and was on hand to capture video of the record attempt. 

For full coverage of the record attempt, including video of the run, please see this article from Cardinal News: ‘Martinsville Missile’ sets a new land speed record for a stock car

More information about the car and the team that built it can be found at va250carproject.com.

The Commission was represented at the record attempt by Commissioner Will Pace. 

“It has been an honor to see this car come to life over the last few months and a thrill to be here as it set the record,” said Pace. “This project honors our past and makes a bold statement about our future in Southern Virginia. We have a deep racing heritage going back to the early 20th century and continue to welcome tourists to top-tier racing destinations like Martinsville Speedway, an original NASCAR track, and Virginia International Raceway. This car also demonstrates that Southern Virginia’s manufacturing and STEM excellence are driving the next generation of innovation, proving that our local workforce possesses the cutting-edge skills needed to build the technologies of tomorrow.”

The Commission supported the project with a $50,000 grant as part of its commitment to bring jobs, investment, and tourism dollars to the communities it serves. If you, or someone you know, are interested in bringing a business to Southern or Southwest Virginia, please reach out to the Commission at the contact information above.

“The Virginia 250 Car, proudly built right here in our community, made history by breaking the land speed record today,” said Tobacco Commission member Danny Marshall. “This moment reflects the talent, craftsmanship, and innovation that define our community. From the first idea to the finished product, this project showcases what can be accomplished when local skill and pride come together. Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this record breaking achievement to life and putting Martinsville-Henry County on the map in a big way.”

For background on the project, including the team behind the creation of this incredible machine, take a look at this article from Cardinal News: A stock car dubbed ‘the Martinsville Missile’ aims to set a new land speed record of 250 mph

Questions about the Commission’s contribution to this project may be directed to Jordan Butler at JButler@revitalizeva.org or 757-692-0878.

COMMISSION APPROVES 20 FUNDING REQUESTS

Richmond, VA – The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission held its first scheduled meeting of the year on Monday, January 12th in Richmond.

Among the funding requests in support of a variety of organizations and initiatives across Southern and Southwest Virginia, the Commission supported the creation of two new strategic funding programs, a housing project that will add 115 workforce housing units in Lee County and multiple energy projects that will help diversify the economy of rural Virginia.

The Commission continues to seek innovative ways to create jobs and investment in the Commission footprint. As part of that effort, the Commission approved the creation of the Maritime Advancement & Supply Chain Transformation (MAST) Fund and the TRRC Drone Fund. The MAST Fund will support small and medium-sized enterprises in the maritime and shipbuilding supply chain, strengthening national security and the industrial base. The TRRC Drone Fund will close capital gaps for drone manufacturers, integrators, and suppliers in the Tobacco Region. Both programs will operate as expansions of the Commission’s successful partnership with the Virginia Small Business Financing Authority (VSBFA) and offer loans to attract businesses in those industries to the region. Grants may also be available on a limited case-by-case basis.

The Commission’s Economic Development Workforce Housing Incentive Pilot Program continues to receive strong interest. The latest project approved under this program will provide $800,000 to Lee County to support the Western Lee Housing Project at the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center. The project will create 115 new housing units in an area that multiple studies have identified as a target area for additional housing.

Multiple energy projects also received Commission funding. The Commission recognizes that reliable, affordable energy is critical to the economic success of the region and that business attraction efforts are increasingly impacted by energy pricing and availability. The Commission also recognizes that the energy sector itself presents huge opportunities for job growth and investment across Southern and Southwest Virginia.

For a full list of projects approved at this meeting please CLICK HERE. For more information, the meeting packet on our website contains detailed project descriptions, staff comments, grant requirements and other business, including project extensions and modifications to previous awards.

“The grants and programs approved at our meeting in Richmond are a perfect example of the Commission’s ability to be flexible, innovative and forward-thinking as we meet the needs of our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “I’d like to thank our departing commissioners for their work as well as Executive Director James Campos for his contributions to the Commission over the last few years. We have completed a comprehensive strategic planning effort, created several new programs and launched the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia. All of these exceptional public servants played a key role in those efforts and they will have a positive impact on our communities for years to come. Looking forward, I am more excited about the Commission’s future, and our ability to bring jobs and investment to Southern and Southwest Virginia, than ever.”

“It has been an incredible honor to serve as Executive Director of the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission,” said TRRC Executive Director, Hon. James E. Campos. “I am grateful for the Commissioners, our dedicated staff, and the community leaders who are the heartbeat of this region. Our mission has always been about more than just grants; it’s about serving as a true partner in economic development to empower communities across Southern and Southwest Virginia to seize opportunities and build on their strengths. I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, from launching the Foundation for the Advancement of Southern and Southwest Virginia to the adoption of a historic strategic plan, the creation of our Energy Ingenuity program, and more. I am confident that the momentum we have built will allow the Commission to continue to drive prosperity across Southern and Southwest Virginia for another 25 years. I want to thank the Commission for their trust, the communities we serve for their partnership, and Governor Glenn Youngkin for giving me this opportunity to serve the Commonwealth. Keep the momentum going!”

Ribbon Cutting Marks Launch of Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure Funded by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

Multi-site Virginia initiative links energy innovation, unmanned systems, and workforce development

Richmond, Virginia – December 10, 2025.

The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) announced today the establishment of an Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center for Critical Infrastructure, made possible through a $490,000 grant from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s (TRRC) Energy Ingenuity Fund.

The Center will serve as a national resource for the development, testing, and deployment of energy-resilient unmanned systems and dual-use technologies. With multi-site operations at Richard Bland College and three general aviation airports in Dinwiddie County, Danville, and Wise County (Lonesome Pine), the Center will establish a distributed innovation network that advances Virginia’s strategic aviation priorities including efficiency, safety, and sustainability across the energy, logistics, and aviation sectors.

“The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is proud to invest in initiatives that foster regional innovation while strengthening Virginia’s position as a national leader in energy and unmanned systems,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “The Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund was created to drive forward-looking projects like this that connect technology, workforce, and infrastructure development. The Commission has a history of being ahead of the curve and investing in projects that pay dividends for our Southern and Southwest Virginia communities down the road, like our early investment in business ready sites across the footprint and our commitment to workforce training programs. This investment is another example of our commitment to proactively building the economy of the future, ensuring our region thrives for generations to come.”

“As Vice Chair of the Tobacco Commission and as the State Senator representing this region, I am proud to see this investment from the Commission aimed to fuel game changing innovation and economic growth right here in Southside Virginia,” said Senator Lashrecse D. Aird.  “This new Energy-Centric Unmanned Aircraft Center will strengthen our local workforce, attract new business opportunities, and further cement Virginia’s leadership in advanced manufacturing and aviation technology. This kind of project means more good jobs and new opportunities for families and businesses across our region today and for years to come — the exact priorities that are central to my work both on the Commission and as this region’s representative in the General Assembly.”  

“The Energy-Centric UAS Center project demonstrates exactly the kind of cross-agency collaboration and bold thinking the Energy Ingenuity Fund was designed to catalyze,” said James Campos, Executive Director of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission. “By investing in forward-looking initiatives and partnering with organizations such as CCALS, we are accelerating energy-centric innovation while expanding economic and workforce opportunity throughout the Commission’s footprint.”

“The establishment of the Energy Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure not only presents an incredible opportunity for the Tobacco Commission Region to position itself as a leader in next-gen UAS testing and training, it also serves as a clear example of what can be accomplished by operationalizing the whole of government approach that has been a pillar of the Youngkin Administration,” said Juan Pablo Segura, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  

The Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure will accelerate technologies that improve operational efficiency, workforce safety, and energy reliability – particularly for those working in and supporting the energy industry. Planned capabilities include:

• Hydrogen-hybrid UAS flight testing and infrastructure deployment to advance high-endurance propulsion systems.

• Secure communications and RF/ISAC evaluation environments for spectrum awareness and cyber-physical protection.

• Hydrogen-Hydrogen Hybrid enabled, FAA-compliant Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) testing, training, and evaluation.

• Workforce training aligned with FAA, NIST, and emerging industry standards.

• Custom program and curriculum development.

• Technology demonstration projects and dual-use prototyping

• Advanced manufacturing and drone validation programs to strengthen domestic supply chains.

• Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) modeling, testing, deployment, and regulatory alignment to support future integration of sustainable air systems.

“This award reflects the growing leadership of CCALS at the convergence of energy, aviation, and logistics,” said Dr. Jeffrey Fox, CCALS Board Chairman.  “By championing initiatives that advance Virginia priorities and serve both commercial and national interests, CCALS is building strategic resources that support the Commonwealth’s competitiveness and the nation’s energy resilience.”

“The Department of Aviation is proud to collaborate on this initiative, which showcases how innovative, sustainable aviation technologies can be tested and deployed across Virginia’s diverse airport network,” said Greg Campbell, Director.

“The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank is proud to support CCALS in launching the Energy-Centric UAS Center for Critical Infrastructure. This forward-looking initiative is another example of our commitment to attracting innovative energy-related businesses to Virginia,” said Virginia Department of Energy Director Glenn Davis. “These efforts will enhance the efficiency and safety of our energy workforce and resources in the future.”

“We are proud to support the launch of this new Center in Virginia, which exemplifies the type of forward-leaning innovation our teams strive to champion every day. This partnership directly advances our core pillars of accelerating technology, building safer and more resilient communities, and developing the skilled workforce needed to sustain the unmanned systems industry for decades to come,” said Kimberly Benson, Administrator, UAS Center at SBD.

The Center is led by CCALS and supported by a multi-institutional team including the Virginia Department of Aviation, the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Department of Energy, the UAS Center at SBD, George Mason University’s Rapid Prototyping Research Center, Richard Bland College, and general aviation airports in Wise County, Danville, and Dinwiddie County.

About the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS)

The Commonwealth Center for Advanced Logistics Systems (CCALS) is a leading non-profit research and innovation center tackling the most pressing challenges in logistics, energy, critical infrastructure, and emerging dual-use technologies. Founded through a collaboration of five Virginia universities—University of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia State University, Longwood University, and Old Dominion University—CCALS bridges academic insight with real-world impact. Learn more at www.ccals.com

About the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC)

The Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the General Assembly to promote economic growth and development in formerly tobacco-dependent communities across South and Southwest Virginia. The Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund supports projects that accelerate energy innovation, workforce readiness, and industrial competitiveness. Learn more at www.revitalizeva.org

About the Virginia Department of Aviation (DOAV)

The Virginia Department of Aviation supports and develops the Commonwealth’s system of airports, aviation education, and unmanned systems integration to ensure safe, secure, and sustainable air transportation for Virginia’s citizens and businesses.  Learn more at www.doav.virginia.gov

About the Virginia Department of Energy (VAEnergy)

Virginia Energy is the state agency charged with advancing Virginia’s energy, mining, and mineral policies and initiatives. Our mission is to ensure the Commonwealth has a secure, abundant, reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy future. The Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank (VCEIB) is tasked with accelerating the deployment of clean power generation and energy infrastructure across the Commonwealth. VCEIB mobilizes public and private capital to address critical financing gaps in the clean power generation and infrastructure sectors, supporting the goals outlined in Virginia’s All-American, All-of-the-Above Energy Plan.  www.energy.virginia.gov

About the UAS Center at SBD

The UAS Center at SBD, located at San Bernardino International Airport, supports advanced technology development, UAS flight testing, training, and evaluation across complex airport, urban, and wildland environments. Through its Norton Test Range (an FAA-designated UAS test range) and multi-agency partnerships, the Center accelerates innovation that strengthens workforce readiness, safety, and operational capability for public- and private-sector entities and operators nationwide.  www.uascentersbd.com

Partner Media Contacts:

CCALS: Karen Jackson info@ccals.com (757) 869-7129

TRRC: Jordan Butler jbutler@revitalizeva.org (757) 692-0878

DOAV: Stephen Clausing stephen.clausing@doav.virginia.gov, (804) 774-4635.

VAEnergy: Fred Baker, Fred.Baker@energy.virginia.gov (804) 731-8462

UAS Center at SBD: Kim Benson, kbenson@uascentersbd.com (619) 405-7473

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS, Contact: Amanda Thompson, 804.371.6002, www.vdacs.virginia.gov

For Immediate Release: Oct. 31, 2025

Large Animal Veterinarians Receive Grants to Expand Services in Rural Virginia

~ VDACS and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission award $890,000 to seven veterinarians serving livestock, poultry and equine industries ~

Richmond, Va. – The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) today announced seven veterinarians have been awarded Large Animal Veterinary Grants totaling $890,000 to help boost large animal veterinary services across the Commonwealth.

            VDACS launched the Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program on July 1, 2025. VDACS funds were available for four recipients to receive up to $110,000 each, while TRRC funded three recipients in Southern and Southwest Virginia with grants of $150,000 each. The grant awards will be used to expand and sustain existing practices as well as open new operations, like a standalone large animal clinic and a haul-in facility.

            There is an ongoing shortage of large animal veterinarians in Virginia and across the country, which has serious implications for animal health, farm operations, food safety, and the agricultural economy. The Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program, established by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin in 2025, is intended to incentivize veterinarians who primarily care for livestock, poultry, and equines, to establish or grow a large animal veterinary practice in the Commonwealth. The goal of the TRRC program is to increase the availability of veterinary services available to livestock producers in Southern and Southwest Virginia.

            “We are committed in the Commonwealth to helping large animal veterinarians succeed, so they can continue providing such vital services to our farmers and rural communities,” said Dr. Charlie Broaddus, VDACS State Veterinarian. “There is clearly a great need for these funds, with the state receiving 43 strong and deserving applications this grant period from dedicated veterinarians across the state. These providers are integral to our food supply and rural economies, and we are proud to invest in top quality care and long-term practice viability.”

            “Livestock, especially cattle, are the primary drivers of the agricultural economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia,” said TRRC Chairman, Delegate Will Morefield. “This is a prime example of the Commission listening to our producers and the communities we serve and utilizing our unique flexibility to generate solutions that will make a real difference. I am thrilled to see these veterinarians increase their capacity to serve those who form the foundation of our rural economy.”

Recipients of the 2025 VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant are:

• Dr. Nathaniel Burke of Luray, Va.
• Dr. James Cassell of Galax, Va.
• Dr. Keagan Clevenger of Rockbridge Baths, Va.
• Dr. Sherri Gard of Suffolk, Va.

Recipients of the 2025 TRRC Large Animal Veterinary Incentive Program are:

• Dr. Travis Gilmer of Scott County, Va.
• Dr. Mary Tomlinson of Galax, Va.
• Dr. Suzanne Newcombe of Gretna, Va.

            Grant recipients were chosen by a panel of industry representatives using a standardized scoring rubric that considered applicants’ ability to have significant impact on their communities. The judging panel included the State Veterinarian as well as representatives from TRRC, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners, and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

            “Farmers have long struggled with a shortage of large animal vets—and we’ve been working hard to change that,” said Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink. “Partnering with Senator Travis Hackworth and Delegate Alfonso Lopez, we helped create a grant program to support these vital professionals. The first awards have been announced, providing essential funding to veterinarians who serve our agricultural communities. These grants will strengthen practices and expand services, ensuring farmers have the support they need to keep their livestock healthy and their operations thriving.”

            Funds will be disbursed over a multi-year period, helping to keep large animal veterinarians committed to their local communities and able to sustain their practice. Grant funds may be used for a variety of business expenses, from practice establishment and expansion, to student loan repayment, technician salaries, equipment, and more.

            For more information on the grant program, visit the VDACS website: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/animals-large-animal-veterinary-grant.shtml.

# # #

Amanda Thompson   she/her Assistant Director of Communications Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Phone: 804.371.6002 Mobile: 804.944.0654 Website: www.vdacs.virginia.gov E-mail:  amanda.thompson@vdacs.virginia.gov Address: 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219

Image Credit: Boston Public Library / Flickr / Creative Commons

Danville Utilities and Lightshift Energy partner for a second time to bring up to $30M in energy cost savings to the local community while supporting regional load growth

DANVILLE, Va.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Lightshift Energy, a leading energy storage developer, owner, and operator, announced a second project with Danville Utilities that will bring meaningful cost savings and enhance grid reliability for the City of Danville. Danville II, the 11MW project, has also secured a funding award of $1.5 million from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission’s Energy Ingenuity Fund to advance energy resilience for the region.

Following the success of Lightshift’s first project with Danville (“Danville I”), which was Virginia’s largest municipal energy storage project when built, Danville II builds on the city’s commitment to reducing energy costs for its residents and supporting regional load growth. Danville II will operate as a peak-shaving asset, storing electricity during low-demand periods and discharging it back to the grid during peak hours. This model is projected to save Danville residents approximately $30 million over the project’s 20-year lifespan.

“The City of Danville has been looking for various ways to stabilize electric costs for ratepayers. The project will help lower transmission and capacity costs and allow the City’s electric rates to be competitive to other neighboring electric utilities when competing for economic development projects,” said Jason Grey, Danville Director of Utilities. “We are very appreciative of the Virginia TRRC’s support and our ongoing collaboration with Jerry Silva on the 11-megawatt battery energy storage system.”

Danville Utilities partnered with Lightshift a second time after experiencing the benefits of the Danville I project. Danville I is on track to save more than $40 million over the 20-year lifetime of the project by reducing transmission and capacity costs. With a capacity of 10.5 MW, Danville I has been supplying reliable, clean energy to the equivalent of nearly 9,000 homes since October 2022, helping to stabilize the grid and reduce energy prices. Both projects will help support advances in economic development as well as provide clean capacity for data centers in the region.

“This project demonstrates how strategic partnerships and energy investments can drive economic growth in the tobacco region through lowering energy costs and enhanced grid reliability,” said Jerry Silva, TRRC Director of Regional Energy Development and Innovation. “Danville Utilities and Lightshift have been excellent partners in moving this project forward and we are happy to play a big role in educating our commissioners on the energy opportunity.”

The TRRC Energy Ingenuity Fund aims to support innovation and investment in energy technology to formerly tobacco-dependent communities in Virginia in order to improve access to affordable, reliable energy sources. This funding will enable Lightshift to expand the impact of Danville II, bringing additional savings to residents and supporting the regional economy through local job creation and building out the supply chain and expertise for battery energy storage systems in the region.

“Battery storage offers municipal utilities like Danville a valuable tool to stabilize energy costs, support large electric loads like data centers, and enhance grid reliability,” said Michael Herbert, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Lightshift Energy. “We deeply value our ongoing partnership with Danville and are committed to bringing economic development and energy cost savings to the region.”

Danville City Council granted a special use permit on November 7 to advance the project, and the City Council also approved the project’s site lease on March 16. The Project is expected to come online in Q2 2026.

About Lightshift Energy

Lightshift Energy is a utility-scale energy storage project developer, owner and operator headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. Founded in 2019, Lightshift is developing a diverse, multi-gigawatt pipeline of energy storage projects, located throughout the U.S. With leading energy storage analytics, application design, finance, and development expertise, Lightshift deploys dynamic, multi-use energy storage projects that maximize value for utilities and other partners, while reinvesting directly into the communities where their projects are located. For more information, please visit www.lightshift.com.

About Danville Utilities

Danville Utilities provides natural gas, water, wastewater and telecommunications services in Danville and distributes electricity to approximately 42,000 customer locations in a 500-square-mile service territory covering Danville, the southern third of Pittsylvania County, and small portions of Henry and Halifax counties.

About Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC)

The Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission is a 28-member body created by the 1999 General Assembly. Its mission is the promotion of economic growth and development in tobacco-dependent communities, using proceeds of the national tobacco settlement. To date, the Commission has awarded over 2,000 grants totaling more than $1.1 billion across the tobacco region of the Commonwealth, and has provided $309 million in indemnification payments to tobacco growers and quota holders.

Contacts

Media Contact
For Lightshift Energy:
Laura Coriell
Lauracoriell@lightshift.com