{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/56-592.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/56-592.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/56-592.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/56-592.html"}],"law_id":85339,"edition_id":1,"section_id":85339,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-592","catch_line":"Consumer education and marketing practices","history":"1999, c. 411; 2003, c. 885; 2008, c. 883.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Commission shall develop an electric energy consumer education program designed to provide the following information to retail customers:1\n\nInformation regarding energy conservation, energy efficiency, demand-side management, demand response, and renewable energy;2\n\nInformation concerning demand-side management and demand response programs offered in the Commonwealth to retail customers;3\n\nInformation regarding the matters described in subdivisions 1 and 2 that are specifically designed for the industrial, commercial, residential, and government sectors; and4\n\nSuch other information as the Commission may deem necessary and appropriate in the public interest.B\n\nThe Commission shall complete the development of the consumer education program described in subsection A, and report its findings and recommendations to the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation as frequently as may be required by such Commission concerning:1\n\nThe scope of such recommended program consistent with the requirements of subsection A;2\n\nMaterials and media required to effectuate any such program;3\n\nState agency and nongovernmental entity participation;4\n\nProgram duration;5\n\nFunding requirements and mechanisms for any such program; and6\n\nSuch other findings and recommendations the Commission deems appropriate in the public interest.C\n\nThe Commission shall develop regulations governing marketing practices by public service companies, licensed suppliers, aggregators or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter, including regulations to prevent unauthorized switching of suppliers, unauthorized charges, and improper solicitation activities. The Commission shall also establish standards for marketing information to be furnished by licensed suppliers, aggregators or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter, which information shall include standards concerning:1\n\nPricing and other key contract terms and conditions;2\n\nTo the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least an annualized basis;3\n\nCustomer’s rights of cancellation following execution of any contract;4\n\nToll-free telephone number for customer assistance; and5\n\nSuch other and further marketing information as the Commission may deem necessary and appropriate in the public interest.D\n\nThe Commission shall also establish standards for billing information to be furnished by public service companies, suppliers, aggregators or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter. Such billing information standards shall require that billing formation:1\n\nDistinguishes between charges for regulated services and unregulated services;2\n\nIs presented in a format that complies with standards to be established by the Commission;3\n\nDiscloses, to the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least an annualized basis; and4\n\nIncludes such other billing information as the Commission deems necessary and appropriate in the public interest.E\n\nThe Commission shall establish or maintain a complaint bureau for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and investigating complaints by retail customers against public service companies, licensed suppliers, aggregators and other providers of any services made competitive under this chapter. Upon the request of any interested person or the Attorney General, or upon its own motion, the Commission shall be authorized to inquire into possible violations of this chapter and to enjoin or punish any violations thereof pursuant to its authority under this chapter, this title, and under Title 12.1. The Attorney General shall have a right to participate in such proceedings consistent with the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.F\n\nThe Commission shall establish reasonable limits on customer security deposits required by public service companies, suppliers, aggregators or any other persons providing competitive services pursuant to this chapter.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":305723,"text":"The Commission shall develop an electric energy consumer education program designed to provide the following information to retail customers:","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"A1"},"1":{"id":305724,"text":"Information regarding energy conservation, energy efficiency, demand-side management, demand response, and renewable energy;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"A1","prefix_anchor":"A1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"A2"},"2":{"id":305725,"text":"Information concerning demand-side management and demand response programs offered in the Commonwealth to retail customers;","type":"section","prefixes":["A","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"A2","prefix_anchor":"A2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A1","next_prefix":"A3"},"3":{"id":305726,"text":"Information regarding the matters described in subdivisions 1 and 2 that are specifically designed for the industrial, commercial, residential, and government sectors; and","type":"section","prefixes":["A","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"A3","prefix_anchor":"A3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A2","next_prefix":"A4"},"4":{"id":305727,"text":"Such other information as the Commission may deem necessary and appropriate in the public interest.","type":"section","prefixes":["A","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"A4","prefix_anchor":"A4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"A3","next_prefix":"B"},"5":{"id":305728,"text":"The Commission shall complete the development of the consumer education program described in subsection A, and report its findings and recommendations to the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation as frequently as may be required by such Commission concerning:","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A4","next_prefix":"B1"},"6":{"id":305729,"text":"The scope of such recommended program consistent with the requirements of subsection A;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"B1","prefix_anchor":"B1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"B2"},"7":{"id":305730,"text":"Materials and media required to effectuate any such program;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"B2","prefix_anchor":"B2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B1","next_prefix":"B3"},"8":{"id":305731,"text":"State agency and nongovernmental entity participation;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"B3","prefix_anchor":"B3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B2","next_prefix":"B4"},"9":{"id":305732,"text":"Program duration;","type":"section","prefixes":["B","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"B4","prefix_anchor":"B4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B3","next_prefix":"B5"},"10":{"id":305733,"text":"Funding requirements and mechanisms for any such program; and","type":"section","prefixes":["B","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"B5","prefix_anchor":"B5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B4","next_prefix":"B6"},"11":{"id":305734,"text":"Such other findings and recommendations the Commission deems appropriate in the public interest.","type":"section","prefixes":["B","6"],"prefix":"6","entire_prefix":"B6","prefix_anchor":"B6","level":2,"prior_prefix":"B5","next_prefix":"C"},"12":{"id":305735,"text":"The Commission shall develop regulations governing marketing practices by public service companies, licensed suppliers, aggregators or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter, including regulations to prevent unauthorized switching of suppliers, unauthorized charges, and improper solicitation activities. The Commission shall also establish standards for marketing information to be furnished by licensed suppliers, aggregators or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter, which information shall include standards concerning:","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B6","next_prefix":"C1"},"13":{"id":305736,"text":"Pricing and other key contract terms and conditions;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"C1","prefix_anchor":"C1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C","next_prefix":"C2"},"14":{"id":305737,"text":"To the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least an annualized basis;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"C2","prefix_anchor":"C2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C1","next_prefix":"C3"},"15":{"id":305738,"text":"Customer’s rights of cancellation following execution of any contract;","type":"section","prefixes":["C","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"C3","prefix_anchor":"C3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C2","next_prefix":"C4"},"16":{"id":305739,"text":"Toll-free telephone number for customer assistance; and","type":"section","prefixes":["C","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"C4","prefix_anchor":"C4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C3","next_prefix":"C5"},"17":{"id":305740,"text":"Such other and further marketing information as the Commission may deem necessary and appropriate in the public interest.","type":"section","prefixes":["C","5"],"prefix":"5","entire_prefix":"C5","prefix_anchor":"C5","level":2,"prior_prefix":"C4","next_prefix":"D"},"18":{"id":305741,"text":"The Commission shall also establish standards for billing information to be furnished by public service companies, suppliers, aggregators or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter. Such billing information standards shall require that billing formation:","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C5","next_prefix":"D1"},"19":{"id":305742,"text":"Distinguishes between charges for regulated services and unregulated services;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","1"],"prefix":"1","entire_prefix":"D1","prefix_anchor":"D1","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D","next_prefix":"D2"},"20":{"id":305743,"text":"Is presented in a format that complies with standards to be established by the Commission;","type":"section","prefixes":["D","2"],"prefix":"2","entire_prefix":"D2","prefix_anchor":"D2","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D1","next_prefix":"D3"},"21":{"id":305744,"text":"Discloses, to the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least an annualized basis; and","type":"section","prefixes":["D","3"],"prefix":"3","entire_prefix":"D3","prefix_anchor":"D3","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D2","next_prefix":"D4"},"22":{"id":305745,"text":"Includes such other billing information as the Commission deems necessary and appropriate in the public interest.","type":"section","prefixes":["D","4"],"prefix":"4","entire_prefix":"D4","prefix_anchor":"D4","level":2,"prior_prefix":"D3","next_prefix":"E"},"23":{"id":305746,"text":"The Commission shall establish or maintain a complaint bureau for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and investigating complaints by retail customers against public service companies, licensed suppliers, aggregators and other providers of any services made competitive under this chapter. Upon the request of any interested person or the Attorney General, or upon its own motion, the Commission shall be authorized to inquire into possible violations of this chapter and to enjoin or punish any violations thereof pursuant to its authority under this chapter, this title, and under Title 12.1. The Attorney General shall have a right to participate in such proceedings consistent with the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.","type":"section","prefixes":["E"],"prefix":"E","entire_prefix":"E","prefix_anchor":"E","level":1,"prior_prefix":"D4","next_prefix":"F"},"24":{"id":305747,"text":"The Commission shall establish reasonable limits on customer security deposits required by public service companies, suppliers, aggregators or any other persons providing competitive services pursuant to this chapter.","type":"section","prefixes":["F"],"prefix":"F","entire_prefix":"F","prefix_anchor":"F","level":1,"prior_prefix":"E"}},"ancestry":[{"id":13084,"edition_id":1,"name":"Virginia Electric Utility Regulation Act","identifier":"23","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12881,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:15","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:15","permalink":{"id":250597,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":13084,"identifier":"23","token":"56\/23","url":"\/56\/23\/","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":62210,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-576","catch_line":"Definitions","url":"\/56-576\/","token":"56\/23\/56-576","metadata":false},{"id":79838,"structure_id":13084,"section_number":"56-577","catch_line":"Schedule for transition to retail competition; Commission authority; exemptions; pilot 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This law was first created in 1999. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 411<\/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. It has been modified 2 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 2003, chapter 885<\/a>; in 2008, chapter 883<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":75703,"section_number":"56-592.1","catch_line":"Consumer education program; scope and funding","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-592.1\/"},{"id":77066,"section_number":"56-593","catch_line":"Retail customers' private right of action; marketing practices","order_by":null,"url":"\/56-593\/"}],"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":250775,"object_type":"law","relational_id":85339,"identifier":"56-592","token":"56\/23\/56-592","url":"\/56-592\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/56-592\/","token":"56\/23\/56-592","dublin_core":{"Title":"Consumer education and marketing practices","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 56-592","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall develop an electric energy consumer education program designed to provide the following information to retail customers<\/span>: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Information regarding energy conservation, energy efficiency, demand-side management, demand response<\/span>, and renewable energy<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Information concerning demand-side management and demand response<\/span> programs offered in the Commonwealth to retail customers<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Information regarding the matters described in subdivisions 1 and 2 that are specifically designed for the industrial, commercial, residential, and government sectors; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Such other information as the Commission<\/span> may deem necessary and appropriate in the public interest<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall complete the development of the consumer education program described in subsection A, and report its findings<\/span> and recommendations to the Commission<\/span> on Electric Utility<\/span> Regulation as frequently as may be required by such Commission<\/span> concerning: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> The scope of such recommended program consistent with the requirements of subsection A; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Materials<\/span> and media required to effectuate any such program; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> State agency and nongovernmental entity participation; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Program duration; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Funding requirements and mechanisms for any such program; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

6.<\/span> Such other findings<\/span> and recommendations the Commission<\/span> deems appropriate in the public interest<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall develop regulations governing marketing practices by public service companies, licensed suppliers<\/span>, aggregators<\/span> or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter, including regulations to prevent unauthorized switching of suppliers<\/span>, unauthorized charges, and improper solicitation activities. The Commission<\/span> shall also establish standards for marketing information to be furnished by licensed suppliers<\/span>, aggregators<\/span> or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter, which information shall include standards concerning: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Pricing and other key contract<\/span> terms and conditions; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> To the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least an annualized basis; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Customer’s rights of cancellation following execution of any contract<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Toll-free telephone number for customer assistance; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

5.<\/span> Such other and further marketing information as the Commission<\/span> may deem necessary and appropriate in the public interest<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall also establish standards for billing information to be furnished by public service companies, suppliers<\/span>, aggregators<\/span> or any other providers of services made competitive by this chapter. Such billing information standards shall require that billing formation: <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

1.<\/span> Distinguishes between charges for regulated services and unregulated services; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

2.<\/span> Is presented in a format that complies with standards to be established by the Commission<\/span>; <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

3.<\/span> Discloses, to the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least an annualized basis; and <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

4.<\/span> Includes such other billing information as the Commission<\/span> deems necessary and appropriate in the public interest<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

E.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall establish or maintain a complaint bureau for the purpose of receiving, reviewing and investigating complaints by retail customers<\/span> against public service companies, licensed suppliers<\/span>, aggregators<\/span> and other providers of any services made competitive under this chapter. Upon the request of any interested person<\/span> or the Attorney General<\/span>, or upon its own motion<\/span>, the Commission<\/span> shall be authorized to inquire into possible violations of this chapter and to enjoin or punish any violations thereof pursuant to its authority under this chapter, this title, and under Title 12.1. The Attorney General<\/span> shall have a right to participate in such proceedings consistent with the Commission<\/span>’s Rules of Practice and Procedure. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

F.<\/span> The Commission<\/span> shall establish reasonable limits on customer security deposits required by public service companies, suppliers<\/span>, aggregators<\/span> or any other persons<\/span> providing competitive services pursuant to this chapter. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONSUMER EDUCATION AND MARKETING PRACTICES (\u00a7 56-592)\n\nA. The Commission shall develop an electric energy consumer education program\ndesigned to provide the following information to retail customers:\n\n 1. Information regarding energy conservation, energy efficiency, demand-side\n management, demand response, and renewable energy;\n\n 2. Information concerning demand-side management and demand response programs\n offered in the Commonwealth to retail customers;\n\n 3. Information regarding the matters described in subdivisions 1 and 2 that\n are specifically designed for the industrial, commercial, residential, and\n government sectors; and\n\n 4. Such other information as the Commission may deem necessary and appropriate\n in the public interest.\n\nB. The Commission shall complete the development of the consumer education\nprogram described in subsection A, and report its findings and recommendations\nto the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation as frequently as may be\nrequired by such Commission concerning:\n\n 1. The scope of such recommended program consistent with the requirements of\n subsection A;\n\n 2. Materials and media required to effectuate any such program;\n\n 3. State agency and nongovernmental entity participation;\n\n 4. Program duration;\n\n 5. Funding requirements and mechanisms for any such program; and\n\n 6. Such other findings and recommendations the Commission deems appropriate in\n the public interest.\n\nC. The Commission shall develop regulations governing marketing practices by\npublic service companies, licensed suppliers, aggregators or any other providers\nof services made competitive by this chapter, including regulations to prevent\nunauthorized switching of suppliers, unauthorized charges, and improper\nsolicitation activities. The Commission shall also establish standards for\nmarketing information to be furnished by licensed suppliers, aggregators or any\nother providers of services made competitive by this chapter, which information\nshall include standards concerning:\n\n 1. Pricing and other key contract terms and conditions;\n\n 2. To the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least an\n annualized basis;\n\n 3. Customer’s rights of cancellation following execution of any\n contract;\n\n 4. Toll-free telephone number for customer assistance; and\n\n 5. Such other and further marketing information as the Commission may deem\n necessary and appropriate in the public interest.\n\nD. The Commission shall also establish standards for billing information to be\nfurnished by public service companies, suppliers, aggregators or any other\nproviders of services made competitive by this chapter. Such billing information\nstandards shall require that billing formation:\n\n 1. Distinguishes between charges for regulated services and unregulated\n services;\n\n 2. Is presented in a format that complies with standards to be established by\n the Commission;\n\n 3. Discloses, to the extent feasible, fuel mix and emissions data on at least\n an annualized basis; and\n\n 4. Includes such other billing information as the Commission deems necessary\n and appropriate in the public interest.\n\nE. The Commission shall establish or maintain a complaint bureau for the purpose\nof receiving, reviewing and investigating complaints by retail customers against\npublic service companies, licensed suppliers, aggregators and other providers of\nany services made competitive under this chapter. Upon the request of any\ninterested person or the Attorney General, or upon its own motion, the\nCommission shall be authorized to inquire into possible violations of this\nchapter and to enjoin or punish any violations thereof pursuant to its authority\nunder this chapter, this title, and under Title 12.1. The Attorney General shall\nhave a right to participate in such proceedings consistent with the\nCommission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure.\n\nF. The Commission shall establish reasonable limits on customer security\ndeposits required by public service companies, suppliers, aggregators or any\nother persons providing competitive services pursuant to this chapter.\n\nHISTORY: 1999, c. 411; 2003, c. 885; 2008, c. 883.","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}}