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SB 591

Electric utilities; customer energy choice, notice required for customer return to service.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jeremy McPike

Virginia utilities must notify disconnected customers of energy choice options when reconnecting service, promoting informed supplier selection.

Left in Commerce and Labor
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Bill Summary · SB 591

Legislative bill overview

SB 591 requires electric utilities in Virginia to provide customers with notice and information about energy choice options when reconnecting service after disconnection. The bill mandates that utilities inform returning customers about available alternative energy suppliers or programs during the reconnection process.

Why is this important

In deregulated energy markets, customers may have options to choose alternative suppliers, but many are unaware of these choices—especially during vulnerable moments like service reconnection. This bill aims to ensure informed decision-making by requiring utilities to actively communicate available options when customers return to service, potentially saving money or enabling renewable energy choices.

Potential points of contention

  • Utility compliance costs: Electric utilities may argue this creates administrative burdens and costs for notification systems, which could be passed to ratepayers
  • Market structure questions: Virginia's energy market is only partially deregulated; the bill's application scope and which utilities are affected could generate debate
  • Effectiveness concerns: Critics may question whether reconnecting customers—often in financial hardship—will realistically switch suppliers, or whether the notices become perfunctory compliance gestures rather than meaningful consumer information

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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