New law protects Virginians from utility shutoffs during extreme weather

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — The Emergency Utilities Protection Act, which is aimed at safeguarding Virginians from utility shutoffs during extreme weather conditions, has officially gone into effect.

The law, championed by Sen. Lashrecse Aird and Del. Irene Shin in the Senate and House of Delegates respectively, prohibits utility and energy service companies from disconnecting services when temperatures reach 92 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, or 32 degrees or lower.

“The Emergency Utilities Protection Act ensures that essential utility services remain a right, not a privilege, during the moments when they are needed most,” stated Del. Shin in a statement sent to 8News. “I’m proud to see Virginia setting a new benchmark in utility protection, putting the health and safety of all our residents first.”

The bill, which received bipartisan support and was initially proposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, addresses concerns over the vulnerability of residents struggling to pay bills amid economic challenges exacerbated by extreme weather events.

The ‘ Emergency Utilities Protection Act ,” prevents the disconnection of utility services for the following reasons:

• When the temperature is at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit and is at or above 92 degrees Fahrenheit
• On Fridays, weekends, state holidays and the day before a state holiday
• During a state of emergency declared by the governor in response to a public health emergency such as the COVID-19 pandemic
• For customers who have received state energy assistance in the past 12 months
• Before an account is 60 days past due for customers of utilities regulated by the State Corporation Commission or 45 days past due for municipal utility customers.

“We have an obligation to be intentional in not worsening someone’s situation,” Sen. Aird said. “As we continue to approach the heart of summer, we want people to know there is a protection for you if you find yourself in a difficult position.”

Craig Carper, spokesperson for Dominion Energy, said that the company already refrains from disconnecting services without first issuing multiple notices and reiterated their commitment to assisting customers during weather extremes.

“Let’s say none of this has worked and they’re set for disconnection and the temperature exceeds 92 degrees. What happens? Nothing,” Carper said. “We wait until temperatures go below and then we make a final attempt.”

Residents affected by this law will now have additional protections during declared states of emergency, further ensuring continuity of essential services during crises.

Every utility company must provide disconnection notices in English and Spanish and include information regarding plans, state, federal or utility energy assistance programs.

A notice of nonpayment must be delivered to the customer prior to disconnection by at least one or two of the following methods (one for municipal utility customers and two for customers of utilities regulated by the State Corporation Commission) — mail, email, text message, phone call or door hanger.

The provisions are for electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities under the regulation of the State Corporation Commission .

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