Virginia House Bill HB841

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Disaster or emergency; disconnection prohibitions for certain utilities.

Impact

The introduction of HB841 could significantly affect state laws regarding consumer protections and utility regulations. Once enacted, the bill would ensure that utility companies cannot sever essential services during critical times, thereby emphasizing the state's role in safeguarding vulnerable populations during emergencies. This regulation is intended to alleviate the financial burden on households that face challenges in paying their utility bills when external circumstances, such as natural disasters or health crises, disrupt their normal financial operations.

Summary

House Bill 841 addresses the issue of utility disconnections during times of declared emergencies or disasters. The bill amends the Code of Virginia to implement a prohibition on electric, gas, water, and wastewater service providers from disconnecting utility services for nonpayment during any state of emergency. Specifically, it stipulates that disconnections cannot occur until 60 days after the state of emergency is declared over or the conditions are deemed improved by relevant officials. This provides a protection for residential customers facing hardships during crisis situations.

Contention

During discussions surrounding HB841, points of contention centered on the implications for utility providers and management of services during emergencies. Proponents highlighted the necessity of protecting residents during unforeseen events, arguing that access to essential utilities is vital for public health and safety. However, critics raised concerns about the operational impacts on utility companies, questioning the feasibility of maintaining services without financial compensation from users who do not pay during extended periods, which could strain resources and impact the overall utility infrastructure.