New law to curtail utility shut-offs during extreme weather

Today is another day of extreme heat in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic and a new law is in place to protect Virginians who are not able to pay their electric bill.

HB906 introduced by Delegate Irene Shin (D-8) and SB480 introduced by Senator Lachrese Aird (D-13) prohibit electric companies from disconnecting customers for non-payment when temperatures are below 32°F or above 92°F. 

Additionally, the bill prevents disconnections from being made on Fridays, weekends, or state holidays to give residents additional time to make a payment. Disconnections also could not occur during a state of emergency declared by the Virginia Governor. 

“Passage of the Emergency Utilities Protection Act ensures that essential utility services remain a right, not a privilege, during the moments when they are needed most,” Delegate Shin is quoted in a press release put out by the Virginia Poverty Law Center. 

Shin’s bill originally passed the House on a 76 to 24 margin whereas Aird’s bill passed the Senate on unanimous vote. After Governor Glenn Youngkin made a recommended change to the bill, the House of Delegates passed the bill 89 to 11. 

The legislation covers all utilities regulated by the State Corporation Commission so this includes water, wastewater, and natural gas. 

The bill also establishes that disconnections cannot happen until customers are in arrears for 45 days or more. 

“After each missed payment, the utility shall provide notice pursuant to subsection B and make contact with the customer and offer bill payment assistance, arrange a payment plan, or provide information to the customer for other bill payment assistance or energy savings programs,” reads a section of the bill that has now become law. 

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