Prepare for Storm Season During Virginia’s Tax-Free Holiday Aug. 7-9
Saturday | August 1, 2026

Virginia’s Sales Tax Holiday, Aug. 7-9, is an opportunity to stock up on qualifying storm and emergency preparedness supplies without paying sales tax. For households, that can mean checking batteries, flashlights, weather radios and other essentials before the next severe-weather event.

The tax holiday applies to certain hurricane and emergency preparedness items, as long as they meet the state’s price limits. Qualifying items include portable generators priced at $1,000 or less, gas-powered chainsaws priced at $350 or less, chainsaw accessories priced at $60 or less and other specified hurricane preparedness items priced at $60 or less.

The tax-free weekend also includes qualifying ENERGY STAR® and WaterSense® products priced at $2,500 or less when purchased for noncommercial home or personal use. These products can support long-term energy efficiency while offering another way to make the most of the tax holiday.

Eligible online purchases may qualify. Before completing a purchase, review product details and confirm the tax exemption appears at checkout, because eligibility depends on the item, price, purchase timing and shipping address.

A little preparation can make a major difference when severe weather arrives. Use the tax holiday as a reminder to review your family’s emergency plan, refresh your supplies and make sure your home is ready for the season ahead. Learn more at myrec.coop/stormprep.

 

Tax Free Holiday Cover

REC STORIES

During periods of extreme temperatures, the demand for electricity peaks. While REC’s local grid is performing as it should, the transmission grid ope...

REC Prepared for Multi-Day Power Outages

Friday | January 23, 2026
Based on weather predictions, REC is prepared for a multi-day outage event.
REC is monitoring the significant winter weather system projected to affect much of its service territory this weekend. REC is prepared to respond to ...