Bill > SB761

This bill amends existing law to prohibit electric and gas utilities regulated by the State Corporation Commission (SCC) from passing on certain costs to their customers through retail rates and charges. Specifically, utilities will no longer be able to recover costs associated with "political influence activities," which are broadly defined to include efforts to influence public officials, elections, or public opinion on legislative or regulatory matters, as well as related research and preparation, with certain exceptions for regulatory appearances, approved programs, responding to government requests for information, or fulfilling statutory requirements. Additionally, utilities cannot recover costs for "promotional advertising," defined as communications primarily aimed at building the utility's public image, unless they are legally required, provide essential safety or service information, or are approved by the SCC. The bill also prohibits the recovery of costs for charitable contributions, entertainment, gifts, membership dues to trade groups engaging in prohibited activities, penalties, and expenses related to unregulated products or services. Furthermore, it requires utilities to submit annual reports to the SCC detailing these prohibited expenses, including itemized vendor bills and employee time spent on political influence activities, with the SCC empowered to fine utilities for improper cost recovery and to make these reports publicly available online.

Business and Industry

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB761