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VA SB650
VA SB650Public utilities; water and sewerage companies, discounted rates for low-income customers.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
03/03/2026
03/03/2026
Crossed Over
03/06/2026
03/06/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Public utilities; water and sewerage companies; discounted rates for low-income customers. Provides that a public utility engaged in the business of furnishing water or sewerage facilities may propose and the State Corporation Commission may approve rates and tariff provisions that provide discounted service to customers with an annual household income equal to or less than the greater of (i) an amount equal to 80 percent of the median income of the area in which the household is located, as reported by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and (ii) 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. The bill permits the utility to recover the costs of providing such discounted service through its rates for other customer classes.
AI Summary
This bill allows water and sewerage companies, which are public utilities providing essential services, to offer discounted rates to low-income customers. Specifically, a company can propose, and the State Corporation Commission (SCC), the state agency that regulates utilities, can approve special rates for households earning 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Level, a measure of poverty used by the U.S. government. The bill also permits these companies to recover the costs of these discounts by slightly increasing the rates for all other customers. This change aims to make water and sewerage services more affordable for those struggling financially, while ensuring the utility companies can still cover their expenses.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Passed House with substitute (63-Y 34-N 1-A) (on 03/06/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB650 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB650/text/SB650H1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB650) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1143119.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB650/text/SB650 |
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