An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 56-247.2, relating to public utilities; multiple budget plan payment increases within 12 months prohibited; notice required.
HB242 amends Virginia’s public utilities law by creating a new section governing “budget plan” billing for residential customers. A budget plan is defined as a fixed billing option in which a utility estimates a customer’s annual service cost in advance and bills one-twelfth of that estimate each month. Under the bill, a public utility may not raise a residential customer’s monthly budget plan payment more than once in any 12-month period, and it must provide written notice at least 60 days before any increase takes effect.
The bill is limited in scope to residential customers enrolled in budget plans and does not apply to utilities providing water or sewerage service. Its practical effect is to add consumer protections and predictability to utility billing by restricting how often monthly budget amounts can be adjusted and by requiring advance notice before increases. The measure is codified in Title 56 of the Code of Virginia, which regulates public service companies and utilities.
HB242 adds § 56-247.2 to the Code of Virginia, creating a new statutory requirement for public utilities that offer budget billing plans to residential customers. It limits the frequency of payment increases and imposes a 60-day written notice requirement, while expressly exempting water and sewer utilities. The bill therefore affects utility billing practices, customer notice obligations, and residential consumers enrolled in budget plans, but does not alter rates themselves or apply to all utility services.
The available record shows no committee transcripts or recorded votes indicating debate, opposition, or amendments, and the bill was enacted as Chapter 373. Based on the final passage, the overall sentiment appears favorable or at least noncontroversial. The measure reads as a consumer-protection bill intended to improve billing stability and transparency for residential utility customers.
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided materials. The only notable policy boundary in the text is the exemption for water and sewerage utilities, which suggests the bill was tailored to electric, gas, or similar public utilities rather than all utility providers. If there was any disagreement, it is not reflected in the available committee or voting record.