Who decides electric and gas rates that affect Richmond customers?

The Virginia State Corporation Commission decides rates for investor-owned utilities; the City of Richmond handles municipal matters like franchises or local service agreements.

Can I speak at a rate hearing and how do I sign up?

You can usually request to speak by following the registration instructions on the SCC docket or the hearing notice; check the docket for deadlines and remote access details.

Where do I submit written comments?

Submit written comments via the SCC docket entry for the case or any eComment link provided in the hearing notice.

Attend Electricity & Gas Rate Hearings in Richmond, VA

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

Richmond, Virginia residents and businesses can participate in state-regulated electricity and gas rate proceedings that affect local bills and service terms. The Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) is the primary forum for investor-owned utility rate filings; the City of Richmond may hold separate local notices or council hearings when franchise or municipal issues arise. This guide explains how to find dockets, register to speak, submit written comments, and preserve appeal rights so you can make your views count in Richmond.

How to find and prepare for a rate hearing

Start by locating the utility docket and any scheduled public hearings, then note deadlines for requests to speak or to file comments. Check whether hearings are in-person, remote, or hybrid and whether the SCC or the City posts forms or eComment links for written submissions ^[1].

Confirm hearing date and time and the deadline to request oral comment.
Gather account data, billing examples, and a short written statement to submit as written comment.
Plan arrival at the hearing location early or test remote access (phone/WebEx) if the SCC offers it.
Prepare a one-page summary and bring multiple copies if presenting in person.

Penalties & Enforcement

Rate hearings and final orders are enforced by the Virginia State Corporation Commission; the SCC issues orders that set lawful rates and compliance obligations for utilities. Monetary penalties, late-filing fines, or contempt sanctions may be possible under the SCC enforcement authority, but specific fine amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited page ^[1]. For municipal actions related to city permits or franchises, enforcement may be handled by City of Richmond offices listed below; the city pages should be consulted for local sanctions.

Fine amounts: not specified on the cited page.
Escalation for repeat or continuing offences: not specified on the cited page.
Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, injunctions, or corrective directives by the SCC or city authorities.
Enforcer and contact: Virginia State Corporation Commission (clerk and hearing staff) for investor-owned utilities and City of Richmond departments for local matters.
Appeal/review routes and time limits: specific appeal time limits and procedures are set by the SCC order and Virginia law and are not specified on the cited page; check the final order for deadlines.

If you face enforcement action, contact the SCC Clerk or Richmond city counsel promptly to learn appeal deadlines.

Applications & Forms

The SCC docket for each case typically shows how to submit written comments and any public hearing registration process; specific form names or filing fees for public commenters are not specified on the cited page ^[2]. For local Richmond permits or franchise paperwork, consult the city departments listed in Resources.

Action steps for Richmond residents

Check the SCC docket for the utility rate case and mark all filing and hearing deadlines.
File written comments through the docket or eComment link before the deadline.
Request to appear orally if you want to speak at the public hearing; follow registration instructions in the docket notice.
Contact the SCC Clerk for procedural questions or the City Clerk for local hearing notices.

Document examples of your bill to make your testimony concrete and persuasive.

FAQ

Who decides electric and gas rates that affect Richmond customers?: The Virginia State Corporation Commission decides rates for investor-owned utilities; the City of Richmond handles municipal matters like franchises or local service agreements.
Can I speak at a rate hearing and how do I sign up?: You can usually request to speak by following the registration instructions on the SCC docket or the hearing notice; check the docket for deadlines and remote access details ^[1].
Where do I submit written comments?: Submit written comments via the SCC docket entry for the case or any eComment link provided in the hearing notice ^[2].

How-To

Find the case docket on the SCC website and read the hearing notice carefully.
Prepare a concise written statement and any supporting billing examples.
Register to speak if required and confirm whether the hearing is in-person or remote.
Attend the hearing, present your points briefly, and file any post-hearing written comments if allowed.
Keep records of your filings and the SCC order for appeal deadlines and compliance follow-up.

Key Takeaways

Most investor-owned utility rate hearings are before the Virginia SCC, not the city.
Deadlines matter: always confirm filing and registration dates on the docket.
Contact the SCC Clerk or Richmond city offices for procedural help.