Bill > SB944

This bill establishes legal protections for natural gas service choice and availability in Virginia. It defines key terms like "natural gas utility" (an investor-owned company providing gas service) and "public entity" (government agencies and subdivisions), and ensures that every person has the right to obtain natural gas service and supply from authorized utilities in their area. The bill prohibits public entities from creating ordinances, resolutions, or requirements that limit customers' ability to choose their natural gas service provider, whether from a traditional utility or a non-utility gas service provider. Additionally, public entities cannot deny building permits based solely on the proposed utility provider and must ensure that permits and fees are reasonable and do not restrict utility provider choices. The bill also directs the Department of Energy to convene a work group to evaluate the impact of critical infrastructure sectors on natural gas service choice and to submit a report with findings and recommendations by November 1, 2025. Importantly, the bill does not require natural gas utilities to extend facilities that are not economically viable under their existing tariffs.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/SB944