Norfolk Gas & Electric Franchise Rates Guide

Utilities and Infrastructure Virginia 3 Minutes Read · published February 10, 2026 Flag of Virginia

Norfolk, Virginia maintains franchise agreements and municipal regulations that govern how gas and electric utilities use public rights-of-way and compensate the city. This guide explains how franchise rates and obligations are documented, who enforces compliance, common violations, and practical steps for residents and businesses seeking information or filing complaints.

Overview of Franchise Arrangements

Franchise agreements typically grant utilities the right to install and maintain infrastructure in city rights-of-way in exchange for compensation, maintenance obligations, and service requirements. The city negotiates terms with utility companies and records agreements in the municipal code or city records. Specific rate formulas, payment schedules, or percentage terms for Norfolk franchises are set in individual agreements rather than a single consolidated tariff.

Franchise agreements are contractual and differ by utility; check the specific agreement for exact terms.

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of franchise terms and any penalties for noncompliance are administered by city offices responsible for rights-of-way and legal compliance. Specific fine amounts and escalation rules for Norfolk franchise violations are not specified on the cited municipal code page.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; amounts or per-day rates are set in individual agreements or implementing ordinances.
  • Escalation: first, repeat, or continuing offence procedures are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: may include orders to remove or remediate work, injunctive relief, or termination of franchise where authorized; specific remedies are not specified on the cited page.
  • Enforcer and complaints: the City Attorney’s Office and the department managing rights-of-way or utilities lead enforcement and complaints; contact information is provided on the city site.[2]
  • Appeals and review: appeal routes and statutory time limits are not specified on the cited municipal page and may depend on the specific ordinance or contract terms.
If you believe a utility is violating a franchise, document the issue with photos and dates before contacting the city.

Applications & Forms

Franchise agreements are negotiated by city officials; there is no standard public application form for obtaining a franchise published in the municipal code. Where specific permits or right-of-way permits are required, those are handled by the city departments responsible for public works or planning and may have separate application forms or permit processes.

  • No single franchise application form is published in the municipal code; use departmental permit forms for excavation or right-of-way work.
  • When a permit is required for construction in the right-of-way, follow the Public Works or Planning submission process.

Common Violations

  • Unpermitted excavation or utility work in rights-of-way.
  • Poorly maintained poles, lines, or infrastructure creating hazards.
  • Failure to pay agreed franchise fees or submit reports required by agreement.

Action Steps

  • Document the issue (photos, dates, addresses).
  • File a complaint with the City Attorney’s Office or the Public Works/Utilities department.
  • If contract remedies are needed, request the city’s enforcement or legal review.

FAQ

Who sets franchise rates for gas and electric in Norfolk?
Rates and compensation terms are set by individual franchise agreements negotiated by the city and recorded in city records or the municipal code; specific rate figures are not consolidated on the cited page.[1]
How do I report a suspected violation?
Gather evidence and submit a complaint to the City Attorney’s Office or the department overseeing rights-of-way or utilities as listed on the city website.[2]
Are there standard forms to apply for a utility franchise?
There is no single public franchise application form published in the municipal code; franchise grants are negotiated by the city. Right-of-way and construction permits have their own forms.

How-To

  1. Identify the issue and collect documentation: photos, dates, and exact locations.
  2. Check the municipal code or city records to determine if a franchise or permit applies to the site.[1]
  3. Contact the City Attorney’s Office or the Public Works/Utilities department to file a complaint.[2]
  4. Follow the city’s instructions for remedies, appeals, or permit enforcement; request timelines in writing.

Key Takeaways

  • Franchise terms are contractual and vary by utility and agreement.
  • Contact the City Attorney’s Office or the department managing rights-of-way for complaints.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Norfolk Code of Ordinances
  2. [2] City Attorney - City of Norfolk

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