The local change
Remove any local habitability or permitting rule that treats an active utility-grid connection as the only acceptable source of electricity. A homeowner should be allowed to use an inspected independent system when it safely provides enough power for the home’s basic needs.
What can qualify
Solar, batteries, generators, or another code-compliant setup may qualify. The city should judge the safety and capacity of the system, not favor one brand, installer, fuel, or utility.
The guardrails
- Require safe wiring, grounding, ventilation, and fire protection.
- Require enough reliable power for basic habitability.
- Prevent unsafe backfeed into the grid.
- Use a clear inspection and approval path.
Stay within city authority
This proposal does not claim City Council can create statewide retail-electric competition. Chesapeake should change the local rules it controls and seek state or regulatory changes when local authority is not enough.
The goal
Set strict safety rules, then let residents choose a practical way to power their own homes.