RICHMONA, Va. — Virginia has enacted a new utility shutoff law offering residents extended protection from having essential services like electricity, gas, and water discontinued. The Emergency Utilities Protection Act, recently passed by the General Assembly, aims to prioritize the health and safety of individuals struggling with their utility bills, particularly under harsh economic conditions or extreme weather scenarios.
This legislation arrives as a compassionate measure in response to the financial difficulties many faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exacerbated the vulnerability of countless Virginians. The bipartisan support for the bill underscores a widespread recognition of the necessity to safeguard residents from additional hardships during emergency situations.
Under the new law, utility companies are restricted from cutting off services during severe weather conditions—specifically when temperatures drop below 32 degrees or soar above 92 degrees. Additionally, shutoffs are prohibited on Fridays, weekends, state holidays, and the days preceding state holidays.
Further protections are outlined during periods declared by the governor as a state emergency, responding directly to disasters that could exacerbate residents’ ability to pay utility bills, such as public health emergencies. Residents who have benefited from state emergency assistance within the past year also gain crucial protections under this act.
Moreover, the law stipulates specific grace periods before disconnections can occur. For customers of utilities regulated by the State Corporation Commission, services cannot be disconnected until an account is at least 60 days overdue. In contrast, this period is slightly shorter, 45 days, for customers of local utilities.
State Sen. Lashrecse Aird, a key advocate of the bill and serving representative of Surry and Sussex counties, emphasized, “As summer temperatures rise, it’s imperative to ensure that those facing financial difficulties know the protections in place. This law stands as a testament to our commitment to safeguard our residents during extreme conditions.”
Dominion Energy, a major service provider in the area, has expressed support for the new regulations. Craig Carper, a representative from Dominion Energy outlined how the policy functions in practical scenarios: “If all other measures fail and disconnection is impending, yet temperatures exceed 95 degrees, the process will be paused. The suspension remains until temperatures dip below these extremes, ensuring additional safety for our customers during critical weather periods.”
Furthermore, the act mandates that utilities provide ample notice before disconnection through one or more communication methods, including mail, email, text messages, phone calls, or directly through a door notice. This ensures that residents are adequately informed and can take necessary actions to prevent service discontinuation.
Virginia’s new utility shutoff law marks a significant step towards a more humane approach to utility management, ensuring that residents are not left without essential services during the most challenging times. It reflects a growing trend of utility regulation that considers broader social impacts, particularly for vulnerable populations, setting a precedent that other states might soon follow.