Virginia House Bill HB1875

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/23
• Refer: 1/10/23

Caption

Public utilities; delay of termination of service for certain residential customers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1875 will significantly affect the existing laws governing public utilities and their obligations towards residential customers. It requires utilities to actively notify customers about their options for delaying service terminations, thereby fostering greater compliance and awareness among customers who may not be fully informed of their rights. Furthermore, utilities are mandated to compile and publicly report data on customers who file for exemptions, enhancing transparency and accountability within the industry.

Summary

House Bill 1875 aims to protect certain residential customers of public utilities from service termination due to financial hardship. The bill stipulates that the State Corporation Commission (SCC) establish regulations that permit residential customers to delay their service termination under specific conditions, such as when they or a family member resides with a person who has a serious medical condition. The delay can be for up to three times within a 12-month period, with a minimum extension of 60 days required upon certification of the serious medical condition. This aims to provide security and peace of mind to vulnerable populations who rely on essential utilities.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1875 include the balance between necessary service regulation and the operational capabilities of public utilities. Critics may argue that delaying service termination could impose financial burdens on public utilities, potentially leading to increased costs for all customers. Moreover, defining a 'serious medical condition' raises questions about the potential administrative challenges utilities may face in verifying claims, including concerns about privacy and data handling regarding customers' medical information. Additionally, there may be objections from utility companies regarding the financial implications of the new regulations.