{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-245.1_4.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-245.1_4.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-245.1_4.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-245.1_4.html"}],"law_id":86241,"edition_id":1,"section_id":86241,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245.1:4","catch_line":"Notice procedures for nonpayment; disconnecting utility service","history":"2024, cc. 790, 824.","full_text":"A\n\nEach utility subject to the provisions of § 56-245.1:3 shall provide to each of its residential customers a copy of its disconnection for nonpayment policy (i) at any time a new residential account is established, (ii) when any disconnection for nonpayment of bills or fees is scheduled by including a copy of the policy with such notice, or (iii) by publishing the disconnection policy on the utility’s website. Each such utility shall provide all required notices in English and Spanish. Such required notices shall include information regarding payment plans and state, federal, or utility energy assistance programs.B\n\nEach utility subject to the provisions of this section shall deliver notice of nonpayment of bills or fees to its residential customers prior to disconnection by using at least two of the following methods: (i) mail, (ii) email, (iii) text message, (iv) phone call, or (v) door hanger.C\n\nUtility disconnections due to the nonpayment of bills or fees are prohibited for residential customers until the customer’s account is 60 days in arrears. After each missed payment, the utility shall provide notice pursuant to subsection B and make contact with the customer and offer bill payment assistance, arrange a payment plan, or provide information to the customer for other bill payment assistance or energy savings programs.D\n\nNo electric or gas utility shall require a deposit of more than 25 percent of the arrearage amount for service, exclusive of nonpayment fees, penalties, or interest, in order to restore service to any residential customer where such utility received funding from the Department of Social Services for such customer through the Home Energy Assistance Program pursuant to § 63.2-805 within the last 12 months. A customer is eligible for this provision once every three years.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":308909,"text":"Each utility subject to the provisions of § 56-245.1:3 shall provide to each of its residential customers a copy of its disconnection for nonpayment policy (i) at any time a new residential account is established, (ii) when any disconnection for nonpayment of bills or fees is scheduled by including a copy of the policy with such notice, or (iii) by publishing the disconnection policy on the utility’s website. Each such utility shall provide all required notices in English and Spanish. Such required notices shall include information regarding payment plans and state, federal, or utility energy assistance programs.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":308910,"text":"Each utility subject to the provisions of this section shall deliver notice of nonpayment of bills or fees to its residential customers prior to disconnection by using at least two of the following methods: (i) mail, (ii) email, (iii) text message, (iv) phone call, or (v) door hanger.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":308911,"text":"Utility disconnections due to the nonpayment of bills or fees are prohibited for residential customers until the customer’s account is 60 days in arrears. After each missed payment, the utility shall provide notice pursuant to subsection B and make contact with the customer and offer bill payment assistance, arrange a payment plan, or provide information to the customer for other bill payment assistance or energy savings programs.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":308912,"text":"No electric or gas utility shall require a deposit of more than 25 percent of the arrearage amount for service, exclusive of nonpayment fees, penalties, or interest, in order to restore service to any residential customer where such utility received funding from the Department of Social Services for such customer through the Home Energy Assistance Program pursuant to § 63.2-805 within the last 12 months. A customer is eligible for this provision once every three years.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":14465,"edition_id":1,"name":"Services, Rates, Charges, Etc","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":13238,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:48:13","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:48:13","permalink":{"id":248755,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14465,"identifier":"2","token":"56\/10\/2","url":"\/56\/10\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":13238,"edition_id":1,"name":"Heat, Light, Power, Water and Other Utility Companies Generally","identifier":"10","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12881,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:30","permalink":{"id":248721,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13238,"identifier":"10","token":"56\/10","url":"\/56\/10\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12881,"edition_id":1,"name":"Public Service Companies","identifier":"56","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:58","permalink":{"id":248473,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12881,"identifier":"56","token":"56","url":"\/56\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":87361,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-234","catch_line":"Duty to furnish adequate service at reasonable and uniform rates","url":"\/56-234\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-234","metadata":false},{"id":74382,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-234.1","catch_line":"Liability to customer for violation of duty to determine and charge lowest rate applicable","url":"\/56-234.1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-234.1","metadata":false},{"id":56457,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-234.2","catch_line":"Review of rates","url":"\/56-234.2\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-234.2","metadata":false},{"id":78493,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-234.3","catch_line":"Approval of expenditures for and monitoring of new generation facilities and projected operation programs of electric utilities","url":"\/56-234.3\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-234.3","metadata":false},{"id":72152,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-234.4","catch_line":"Authority to investigate utility operations to determine efficiency","url":"\/56-234.4\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-234.4","metadata":false},{"id":84236,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-234.5","catch_line":"Required disclosure by certain officers and directors of certain utilities","url":"\/56-234.5\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-234.5","metadata":false},{"id":77453,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235","catch_line":"When Commission may fix rates, schedules, etc.; conformance with chapter","url":"\/56-235\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235","metadata":false},{"id":85095,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.1","catch_line":"Conservation of energy and capital resources","url":"\/56-235.1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.1","metadata":false},{"id":57116,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.10","catch_line":"Recovery of eligible safety activity costs; administration; procedure","url":"\/56-235.10\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.10","metadata":false},{"id":68057,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.11","catch_line":"Retail rates of affiliated water utilities","url":"\/56-235.11\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.11","metadata":false},{"id":69890,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.12","catch_line":"Economic development programs","url":"\/56-235.12\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.12","metadata":false},{"id":80899,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.1:1","catch_line":"Rates for stand-by electric service at renewable cogeneration facilities","url":"\/56-235.1_1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":80993,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.1:2","catch_line":"Costs of using small, women-owned, or minority-owned businesses","url":"\/56-235.1_2\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.1_2","metadata":false},{"id":62621,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.2","catch_line":"All rates, tolls, etc., to be just and reasonable to jurisdictional customers; findings and conclusions to be set forth; alternative forms of regulation for electric companies","url":"\/56-235.2\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.2","metadata":false},{"id":66652,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.3","catch_line":"Procedures for investigation of rate applications","url":"\/56-235.3\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.3","metadata":false},{"id":63163,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.4","catch_line":"Prohibition of multiple rate increases within any twelve-month period; exception","url":"\/56-235.4\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.4","metadata":false},{"id":55844,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.5","catch_line":"Telephone regulatory alternatives","url":"\/56-235.5\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.5","metadata":false},{"id":87078,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.5:1","catch_line":"Local exchange telephone service competition policy","url":"\/56-235.5_1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.5_1","metadata":false},{"id":71641,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.6","catch_line":"Optional performance-based regulation of certain utilities","url":"\/56-235.6\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.6","metadata":false},{"id":77670,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.7","catch_line":"Jurisdiction of Commission when federal governmental facility ceases to be retail customer of electric utility","url":"\/56-235.7\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.7","metadata":false},{"id":78685,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.8","catch_line":"Retail supply choice for natural gas customers","url":"\/56-235.8\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.8","metadata":false},{"id":62516,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-235.9","catch_line":"Recovery of funds used for capital projects prior to a rate case for strategic natural gas facilities","url":"\/56-235.9\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-235.9","metadata":false},{"id":59697,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-236","catch_line":"Public utilities required to file schedules of rates and charges; rules and regulations; when detariffing of telephone services to be permitted","url":"\/56-236\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-236","metadata":false},{"id":85571,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-236.1","catch_line":"Rates to be charged churches","url":"\/56-236.1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-236.1","metadata":false},{"id":74562,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-236.2","catch_line":"Suspension of service to sewerage system","url":"\/56-236.2\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-236.2","metadata":false},{"id":57569,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-237","catch_line":"How changes in rates effected; notice required; changes to be indicated on schedules","url":"\/56-237\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-237","metadata":false},{"id":64233,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-237.1","catch_line":"Notification of intent to seek rate change in schedules required to be filed under \u00a7 56-236","url":"\/56-237.1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-237.1","metadata":false},{"id":67487,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-237.2","catch_line":"Public hearings on protests or objections to rate changes","url":"\/56-237.2\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-237.2","metadata":false},{"id":80068,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-238","catch_line":"Suspension of proposed rates, etc.; investigation; effectiveness of rates pending investigation and subject to bond; fixing reasonable rates, etc","url":"\/56-238\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-238","metadata":false},{"id":78378,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-239","catch_line":"Appeal from action of Commission","url":"\/56-239\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-239","metadata":false},{"id":64527,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-240","catch_line":"Proposed rates, etc., or changes thereof, not suspended effective subject to later change by Commission; refund or credit; appeal; investor-owned public utilities required to show increase complies with \u00a7 56-235.2","url":"\/56-240\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-240","metadata":false},{"id":57241,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-241","catch_line":"Rates of telephone companies","url":"\/56-241\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-241","metadata":false},{"id":83712,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-241.1","catch_line":"Flat and measured telephone rates; certain rates prohibited","url":"\/56-241.1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-241.1","metadata":false},{"id":74999,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-241.2","catch_line":"Approval of rates for resale of telephone service","url":"\/56-241.2\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-241.2","metadata":false},{"id":72101,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-242","catch_line":"Temporary reduction of rates","url":"\/56-242\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-242","metadata":false},{"id":79154,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-243","catch_line":"Duration of such temporary reduction","url":"\/56-243\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-243","metadata":false},{"id":84025,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-244","catch_line":"Increase to make up for losses due to excessive temporary reduction","url":"\/56-244\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-244","metadata":false},{"id":67793,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245","catch_line":"Temporary increase in rates","url":"\/56-245\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245","metadata":false},{"id":75868,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245.1","catch_line":"Meters to be kept in good working condition; defective meters","url":"\/56-245.1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1","metadata":false},{"id":80955,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245.1:1","catch_line":"Customers to be notified about nuclear emergency evacuation plans","url":"\/56-245.1_1\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":61620,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245.1:2","catch_line":"Customers to be notified of renewable power options","url":"\/56-245.1_2\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1_2","metadata":false},{"id":70183,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245.1:3","catch_line":"Disconnection suspension for utilities","url":"\/56-245.1_3\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1_3","metadata":false},{"id":86241,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245.1:4","catch_line":"Notice procedures for nonpayment; disconnecting utility service","url":"\/56-245.1_4\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1_4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":70183,"structure_id":14465,"section_number":"56-245.1:3","catch_line":"Disconnection suspension for utilities","url":"\/56-245.1_3\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1_3","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/56-245.1:4\/","history_text":"

This law was first created in 2024. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapters 790<\/a> and 824<\/a> of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":[{"id":70183,"section_number":"56-245.1:3","catch_line":"Disconnection suspension for utilities","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-245.1_3\/"},{"id":55631,"section_number":"63.2-805","catch_line":" Home Energy Assistance Program; report; survey","order_by":null,"url":"\/63.2-805\/"}],"permalink":{"id":248925,"object_type":"law","relational_id":86241,"identifier":"56-245.1:4","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1_4","url":"\/56-245.1_4\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-245.1_4\/","token":"56\/10\/2\/56-245.1_4","dublin_core":{"Title":"Notice procedures for nonpayment; disconnecting utility service","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-245.1:4","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> Each utility subject to the provisions of § 56-245.1:3<\/a> shall provide to each of its residential customers a copy of its disconnection for nonpayment policy (i) at any time a new residential account is established, (ii) when any disconnection for nonpayment of bills or fees is scheduled by including a copy of the policy with such notice, or (iii) by publishing the disconnection policy on the utility’s website. Each such utility shall provide all required notices in English and Spanish. Such required notices shall include information regarding payment plans and state, federal, or utility energy assistance programs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> Each utility subject to the provisions of this section shall deliver notice of nonpayment of bills or fees to its residential customers prior to disconnection by using at least two of the following methods: (i) mail<\/span>, (ii) email, (iii) text message, (iv) phone call, or (v) door hanger. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Utility disconnections due to the nonpayment of bills or fees are prohibited for residential customers until the customer’s account is 60 days in arrears<\/span>. After each missed payment, the utility shall provide notice pursuant to subsection B and make contact with the customer and offer bill payment assistance, arrange a payment plan, or provide information to the customer for other bill payment assistance or energy savings programs. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> No electric or gas utility shall require a deposit of more than 25 percent of the arrearage amount for service, exclusive of nonpayment fees, penalties, or interest, in order<\/span> to restore service to any residential customer where such utility received funding from the Department of Social Services for such customer through the Home Energy Assistance Program pursuant to § 63.2-805<\/a> within the last 12 months. A customer is eligible for this provision once every three years. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nNOTICE PROCEDURES FOR NONPAYMENT; DISCONNECTING UTILITY SERVICE (\u00a7 56-245.1:4)\n\nA. Each utility subject to the provisions of § 56-245.1:3 shall provide to\neach of its residential customers a copy of its disconnection for nonpayment\npolicy (i) at any time a new residential account is established, (ii) when any\ndisconnection for nonpayment of bills or fees is scheduled by including a copy\nof the policy with such notice, or (iii) by publishing the disconnection policy\non the utility’s website. Each such utility shall provide all required\nnotices in English and Spanish. Such required notices shall include information\nregarding payment plans and state, federal, or utility energy assistance\nprograms.\n\nB. Each utility subject to the provisions of this section shall deliver notice\nof nonpayment of bills or fees to its residential customers prior to\ndisconnection by using at least two of the following methods: (i) mail, (ii)\nemail, (iii) text message, (iv) phone call, or (v) door hanger.\n\nC. Utility disconnections due to the nonpayment of bills or fees are prohibited\nfor residential customers until the customer’s account is 60 days in\narrears. After each missed payment, the utility shall provide notice pursuant to\nsubsection B and make contact with the customer and offer bill payment\nassistance, arrange a payment plan, or provide information to the customer for\nother bill payment assistance or energy savings programs.\n\nD. No electric or gas utility shall require a deposit of more than 25 percent of\nthe arrearage amount for service, exclusive of nonpayment fees, penalties, or\ninterest, in order to restore service to any residential customer where such\nutility received funding from the Department of Social Services for such\ncustomer through the Home Energy Assistance Program pursuant to § 63.2-805\nwithin the last 12 months. A customer is eligible for this provision once every\nthree years.\n\nHISTORY: 2024, cc. 790, 824.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}