NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Democratic nominee for Virginia governor, former Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger, made a stop in Norfolk Monday.

Spanberger unveiled another pillar of her plan she says will make Virginia more affordable, specifically when it comes to energy bills.

She visited the home of a Norfolk resident who recently made her home more energy efficient. Some of the changes include new windows and solar panels on the roof.

Spanberger spoke about how smart energy-efficiency projects can lower Virginians’ energy bills, drive economic growth, and create local jobs.

“And so the more we can ensure efficiency that there’s not lost electricity, from lack of weatherization or from old infrastructure, is part of one in many pieces, of policies and projects that we can pursue to support this, these efforts,” Spanberger said.

She also discussed the impact new data centers in Virginia have on energy costs.

“I hear routinely from Virginians who are worried about the potential impacts that data centers may have on their overall energy costs, certainly. We know that data centers utilize a large amount of energy, and that’s just a reality. And it’s a reality that we need to have a plan for. And so as governor, I will deploy a statewide strategy, not a mandate, but a statewide strategy, so that localities that may wish to welcome data centers to their communities have all of the tools in their toolbox to be able to ensure that they’re doing so responsibly,” she said.

Spanberger mentioned the offshore wind project and other energy initiatives already underway in Virginia.

“These should be points of pride, because not only are they new jobs and energy generation, but it is Virginia leading the way into the future to meet demand, ensure reliability, and ultimately, deliver on affordability for Virginians,” she said.

The results of early polling show Spanberger leading Republican nominee Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears.

In Norfolk Monday, Spanberger was asked what it would mean to be the first female governor of Virginia.

“Well, certainly when I’m out campaigning and spending time across Virginia, I know it is on the minds of some Virginians. I have certainly had parents bring their, their kids up to meet me, to demonstrate that, in fact, we have not one, but two women running for governor, in Virginia and to to speak to the fact that that is special to them.”

Spanberger was in Norfolk a couple weeks ago to talk about her plan to lower healthcare and prescription drug costs for Virginia families.