It shall be the duty of the Commission to investigate from time to time the acts, practices, rates or charges of public utilities so as to determine whether such acts, practices, rates or charges are reasonably calculated to promote the maximum effective conservation and use of energy and capital resources used by public utilities in rendering utility service. Where the Commission finds that the public interest would be served, it may order any public utility to eliminate, alter or adopt a substitute for any act, practice, rate or charge which is not reasonably calculated to promote the maximum effective conservation and use of energy and capital resources used by public utilities in providing utility service and it may further provide for the dissemination of information to the public, either through the Commission staff or through a public utility, in order to promote public understanding and cooperation in achieving effective conservation of such resources; provided, however, that nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize the adoption of any rate or charge which is clearly not cost-based or which is in the nature of a penalty for otherwise permissible use of utility services. This section shall not apply to telephone companies.
1976, c. 379; 2011, cc. 738, 740.
Structure Code of Virginia
Title 56 - Public Service Companies
Chapter 10 - Heat, Light, Power, Water and Other Utility Companies Generally
§ 56-232. Public utility and schedules defined
§ 56-232.1. Regulation of service by certain gas pipeline companies to municipalities
§ 56-232.2. Regulation of compressed natural gas service
§ 56-232.2:1. Regulation of electric vehicle charging service
§ 56-233.1. Public utilities purchasing practices
§ 56-234. Duty to furnish adequate service at reasonable and uniform rates
§ 56-234.4. Authority to investigate utility operations to determine efficiency
§ 56-234.5. Required disclosure by certain officers and directors of certain utilities
§ 56-235. When Commission may fix rates, schedules, etc.; conformance with chapter
§ 56-235.1. Conservation of energy and capital resources
§ 56-235.1:1. Rates for stand-by electric service at renewable cogeneration facilities
§ 56-235.1:2. Costs of using small, women-owned, or minority-owned businesses
§ 56-235.3. Procedures for investigation of rate applications
§ 56-235.4. Prohibition of multiple rate increases within any twelve-month period; exception
§ 56-235.5. Telephone regulatory alternatives
§ 56-235.5:1. Local exchange telephone service competition policy
§ 56-235.6. Optional performance-based regulation of certain utilities
§ 56-235.8. Retail supply choice for natural gas customers
§ 56-235.10. Recovery of eligible safety activity costs; administration; procedure
§ 56-235.11. Retail rates of affiliated water utilities
§ 56-235.12. Economic development programs
§ 56-236.1. Rates to be charged churches
§ 56-236.2. Suspension of service to sewerage system
§ 56-237. How changes in rates effected; notice required; changes to be indicated on schedules
§ 56-237.2. Public hearings on protests or objections to rate changes
§ 56-239. Appeal from action of Commission
§ 56-241. Rates of telephone companies
§ 56-241.1. Flat and measured telephone rates; certain rates prohibited
§ 56-241.2. Approval of rates for resale of telephone service
§ 56-242. Temporary reduction of rates
§ 56-243. Duration of such temporary reduction
§ 56-244. Increase to make up for losses due to excessive temporary reduction
§ 56-245. Temporary increase in rates
§ 56-245.1. Meters to be kept in good working condition; defective meters
§ 56-245.1:1. Customers to be notified about nuclear emergency evacuation plans
§ 56-245.1:2. Customers to be notified of renewable power options
§ 56-245.3. Commission to promulgate regulations and standards
§ 56-246. Tests and equipment therefor
§ 56-247. Commission may change regulations, measurements, practices, services, or acts
§ 56-247.1. Commission to require public utilities to follow certain procedures
§ 56-248. Commission to prescribe standard units of products or service
§ 56-248.1. Commission to monitor fuel prices and utility fuel purchases; fuel price index
§ 56-249. Reports by utilities
§ 56-249.2. Certain records to be maintained
§ 56-249.4. How reports shall be filed; reports open to public; rules and regulations
§ 56-249.6. Recovery of fuel and purchased power costs
§ 56-249.7. Certain directors and officers of utility to file shareholder information
§ 56-250. Commission may authorize action by public utility in time of emergency or shortage; plans
§ 56-253. Existing remedies retained
§ 56-254. Sale or lease of plants to cities or towns
§ 56-255. Extension of electric service to territory not being served
§ 56-256. Powers of corporations generally; rights, powers, privileges and immunities, etc.
§ 56-256.1. Height of electric power distribution lines over agricultural land
§ 56-257. Manner of installing underground utility lines
§ 56-257.1. Means of locating nonmetallic underground conduits
§ 56-257.2. Gas pipeline safety
§ 56-257.5. Manner of installing underground utility lines through agricultural operation
§ 56-258. Who to permit laying of pipelines in roads
§ 56-259.1. Instruments conveying easements to public service corporations
§ 56-260. Compensation for damages
§ 56-260.1. Contract provisions exempting company from liability unlawful
§ 56-261. Duties of companies furnishing water or sewerage facilities
§ 56-261.1. Duties of water and sewerage companies in certain counties
§ 56-261.2. Hydrant connections and water supply for fire protection in certain counties
§ 56-262. Proceeding upon failure of public service corporation to perform duties
§ 56-263. Commission may order increase in service
§ 56-264. Quo warranto in case of failure to comply with order of Commission
§ 56-264.1. Collection of rates, fees and charges