Virginia House Bill HB2267

Virginia 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/23
• Refer: 1/11/23
• Report Pass: 2/2/23
• Engrossed: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/8/23

Caption

Electric utilities; cost recovery, alternative to rate adjustment clause.

Impact

If enacted, HB 2267 would have significant ramifications for the regulatory environment surrounding electric utilities in the state. By shifting the focus from a rigid rate adjustment clause to more discretionary cost recovery measures, the bill could enable utilities to manage their pricing structures more effectively. This flexibility may lead to more stable rates for consumers, as utilities will have alternative methods for cost recovery that are perceived as better serving the interests of ratepayers.

Summary

House Bill 2267, titled 'Electric utilities; cost recovery, alternative to rate adjustment clause,' aims to modify the way electric utilities can recover costs associated with their rates for generation and distribution services. The bill authorizes the State Corporation Commission (the Commission) to allow recovery of actual or proposed costs without requiring a traditional rate adjustment clause. This new approach is meant to offer flexibility in determining what best serves the ratepayers while ensuring that electric utilities have a fair opportunity to cover their costs and achieve a reasonable rate of return.

Contention

However, the bill has also raised concerns among stakeholders. Critics argue that allowing the Commission broad discretion in authorizing cost recovery could lead to varying interpretations of what constitutes 'better service' for ratepayers, potentially leading to inconsistencies in how rates are set across different utilities. There is a fear that this may not necessarily lead to lower costs for consumers and could create an environment where utilities prioritize their profit margins over consumer interests. The discussions around this bill reflect the tension between regulatory control and the need for flexibility in a rapidly evolving energy market.