Home Advocacy groups pushing state legislators on utility debt relief bill
Local News

Advocacy groups pushing state legislators on utility debt relief bill

Contributors
business
(© md3d – stock.adobe.com)

Nearly 30 advocacy groups are urging the General Assembly to pass bipartisan legislation that would inject nearly $400 million into the economy through direct refunds and debt forgiveness using the money Dominion Energy has overcharged Virginia families and small businesses since 2017.

The letter, signed by environmental and social justice organizations, low-income advocates, and faith groups, emphasized the urgency of passing House Bill 5088, a bipartisan bill introduced by Del. Jay Jones (D-Norfolk) and Del. Lee Ware (R-Powhatan), during the special session in order for Virginians to benefit this year from immediate economic relief.

“Every Virginia deserves access to clean, affordable energy – particularly in the midst of a global pandemic” said Narissa Turner, policy manager for Virginia Conservation Network. “This bipartisan legislation is one of the best opportunities the General Assembly has this special session to not only help Virginians keep their lights on during this time of unprecedented economic and public health threat, but also take a positive step towards achieving environmental justice.”

Dominion Energy overcharged its customers by $502.7 million since 2017, according to an annual report released last week by the State Corporation Commission and based on Dominion’s own accounting.

Based on the 2017-2019 overcharges found in this report, HB5088 would return over $250 million of emergency, accelerated refunds to all Dominion customers and establishes a utility debt forgiveness fund of at least $100 million to aid Virginians who have accrued debt to Dominion due to the Covid crisis.

The SCC would administer this fund using the 30% of overcharges that under current law Dominion keeps. Currently, the SCC has announced the disconnection ban will be continued until Sept. 15, however, has warned this may be the last extension.

“Holding Dominion Energy accountable for the millions of dollars they have overcharged consumers since 2017, should be a part of the broad suite of economic relief that will help low-income families and families of color during the COVID-19 pandemic and economic recession,” said Tyneshia Griffin, environmental policy research analyst for New Virginia Majority. “Prior to these crises, many Black, Latinx, and low-income families were already paying a higher share of their income to cover energy costs and utility debt accrual could further exacerbate this economic disparity. This bill will put money back into the pockets of consumers and provide utility debt assistance for Virginia families at such a pivotal moment in our history.”

The House of Delegates resumes regular business this week with committee hearings yet to be scheduled. The Labor and Commerce Committee would first vote on HB 5088 if the legislation is docketed.

Contributors

Contributors

Have a guest column, letter to the editor, story idea or a news tip? Email editor Chris Graham at [email protected]. Subscribe to AFP podcasts on Apple PodcastsSpotifyPandora and YouTube.

Latest News

How to Bet On the Daytona 500 in California
Sports

How to Bet On the Daytona 500 in California

ron sanchez uva basketball vt
Basketball, Sports

The tweak UVA Basketball coach Ron Sanchez would need if he were to get the job full time

One lesson Ron Sanchez could take with him into next year, if he, indeed, ends up getting the UVA Basketball job on a full-time basis after the season, would be, succession planning.

george mason
Basketball, Sports

George Mason rallies, beats Saint Joseph’s, to stay atop A-10 standings

George Mason took the lead for good on a Brayden O’Connor bucket with 1:18 to go, then got a couple of stops on defense to complete the 58-57 win over Saint Joseph’s, to maintain the lead in the A-10.

isaac mckneely uva basketball
Basketball, Sports

Five Observations: UVA Basketball gets more good offense in road win

Daytona 500 Odds, Picks, & How To Bet
NASCAR

Daytona 500 Odds, Picks, & How To Bet

uva basketball
Basketball, Sports

Live Coverage: UVA Basketball grits out 73-70 win at Virginia Tech

How To Bet On The Daytona 500 in Florida
Sports News

How To Bet On The Daytona 500 in Florida