SCC News

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission has scheduled a technical conference to explore the effects of the increasing number of large-use retail electric customers on Virginia’s utilities, ratepayers and power grid.

The December 16, 2024, proceeding will consider current and future challenges presented by the growth of such “hyperscale” power users across the Commonwealth. Large power users such as data centers could bring an “unprecedented” amount of new load for electric utilities, creating complications and risks the utilities have not previously encountered, the Commissioners said. 

The technical conference is intended to identify potential frameworks that facilitate service; address risks and issues of the increased usage; are just and reasonable to current and future customers; and meet current Virginia statutes. In addition, this proceeding may examine, to the extent relevant, issues related to the co-location of generation resources at new large-use customer load sites.
The Commission also identified three main questions to be addressed: 

1. Should the Commission establish a tariff framework and terms of service for these large-scale customers?
2. Should certain transmission costs be directly assigned to a new large-use customer class?
3. Should certain generation costs be directly assigned to a new large-use customer class?

Anyone interested in participating as a panelist should submit a self-nomination by email to tech-conf-PUR-2024-00144@scc.virginia.gov no later than October 22, 2024. All submissions should refer to Case No. PUR-2024-00144. Following the technical conference, it is the Commission's intent to invite all interested persons to submit post-technical conference comments addressing some or all of the issues raised during the technical conference.

The technical conference will be open to the public and streamed as a webcast.

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141

PUR-2024-00144-Scheduling-Order-and-Notice

RICHMOND – Wandering the rails, freight train hopping or driving around closing gates to beat an oncoming train are best left for movie thrills by Hollywood’s special effects and stunt experts. Such activity is not only extremely dangerous but also illegal.

From September 23-29, 2024, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) joins Operation Lifesaver Inc. (OLI) – a nonprofit organization dedicated to rail safety education – in raising awareness about the need for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists and others to stay safe around railroad tracks and crossings. See Tracks? Think Train Week (formerly Rail Safety Week) promotes the critical importance of rail safety.

Every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train, according to OLI. Most of these tragedies could have been prevented.

SCC Division of Utility and Railroad Safety director Lauren Govoni and Virginia OLI coordinator Tracey Lamb encourage Virginians to remain alert, use caution and obey signs and signals around railroad tracks. Always expect a train, they advise.

“Rail safety is much more than just a single tip or slogan,” Govoni said. “It’s a set of guidelines for different groups of people, including children, first responders, media professionals, photographers, personal and professional drivers, and more.”

The SCC will partner with law enforcement and other agencies and organizations to spotlight daily See Tracks? Think Train Week themes that include commuter and transit safety, crossing safety and professional drivers, trespass prevention and photographer safety. Potentially life-saving information will appear on the SCC website and social media pages.

The theme for Thursday, September 26, is Transit Safety/Professional Driver Safety. In conjunction with that, Govoni, Lamb and other SCC staff will join representatives from the Federal Transit Administration, OLI and Virginia Railway Express for a rail passenger safety event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Alexandria Amtrak Station. They will be available to answer questions and share rail and transit safety information and visitors will have an opportunity to take the Transit Safety Pledge.

The 82% decrease in collisions nationwide at highway-rail grade crossings during the last 50 years is encouraging, but “there is still more rail safety awareness work to do,” Lamb said. “Trains can take a mile or more to come to a complete stop. If your vehicle ever stalls on the track, get out and move away; then call the phone number on the blue Emergency Notification System sign located at the crossing or call 9-1-1,” she said.

Virginia Operation Lifesaver is administered by the SCC’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety, which offers educational sessions and can be reached by phone at 804-371-1588. To learn more about railroad safety and railroad education in Virginia, visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Railroad-Regulation or oli.org.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – Many American families would face financial hardship if a wage earner died unexpectedly. Life Insurance Awareness Month – celebrated each September – is a reminder that life insurance can help protect your loved ones financially now and in the future.

The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) reminds Virginians that there are many factors to consider when determining if life insurance is right for you and your family.

“Life insurance is an important decision when considering your family’s financial future,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White.  “Examine your existing financial resources, debts and other liabilities, as well as your family’s needs and goals. Understand the different types of life insurance and shop around to compare prices and coverage.”

White encourages Virginians who already have life insurance to review their policies regularly to ensure their coverage keeps pace with their changing circumstances.Life events such as a marriage, birth, divorce, remarriage or other changes affecting your finances (such as a new mortgage or a new job) may trigger a need to update your life insurance policy.

If you do not have life insurance, shop around and understand the different types of policies available and the costs.

Consider the following when determining how much life insurance you may need: Does your spouse or partner work? Do you have any sources of income other than salary? Do you have life insurance through your job? Are there financial obligations that may fall upon family members if you die, such as a mortgage or rent, business expenses, medical expenses, car loans or student loans? How much money may you need for short-term and long-term goals, such as retirement, providing care for a loved one or your children’s education?

Understand the types of life insurance available – term life or permanent – and how benefits are paid when you die. What you pay for life insurance (premiums) depends on the type of policy you choose, your health status, age, gender, occupation, family health history and lifestyle.

When considering life insurance options, compare premiums, coverage and claims service.  Talk to an insurance agent or company or contact the Bureau of Insurance in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 for questions or to verify that the company or individual offering the coverage is licensed and in good standing. The Bureau’s free Virginia Life Insurance Consumer Guide provides answers to many life insurance questions. That guide is available on the Bureau’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Tips,-Guides-Publications.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) offers a free Life Insurance Policy Locator Service that can help consumers find lost life insurance policies and annuity contracts. To learn more about the Locator Service, visit  https://content.naic.org/article/naic-life-insurance-policy-locator-helps-consumers-find-lost-life-insurance-benefits

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141
 

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC), partnering with the Federal Communications Commission, encourages lower income Virginians to explore opportunities for discounted voice and broadband services during National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week (September 8-14, 2024).

Administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), the Lifeline program offers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on qualifying voice and broadband services for eligible subscribers.

Access to high-speed internet has become fundamental for Virginians to remain digitally connected. If your income falls below a certain level – at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines – you could be eligible for the Lifeline benefit. Additionally, you may qualify if you participate in one of the following federal assistance programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Companies participating in the Lifeline program can help with enrollment. The National Verifier is also available to check eligibility and to sign up for the Lifeline benefit. Be sure to contact area telecommunications service providers to see if they participate in the program, as not all companies are required to offer Lifeline services.

To learn more about the Lifeline program and the National Verifier, and to see if you are eligible, call 1 800-234-9473 or email lifelinesupport@usac.org or visit www.lifelinesupport.org or the FCC website at www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers. You may also contact USAC at LifelineProgram@usac.org.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – Hurricanes and other disasters can happen anywhere and anytime. Each September, National Preparedness Month serves as a reminder about the importance of preparing for such disasters and other emergencies.

September also marks the midpoint of the Atlantic hurricane season, the peak period when potentially deadly tropical cyclones form in the Atlantic Ocean. The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) urges Virginians to assess their risk and act now to protect themselves, their families and their property, both physically and financially.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30. The 2024 season is predicted to be a busy one, with five named storms so far. Even areas hundreds of miles from the coast can be impacted by the high winds, heavy rains and flooding that accompany hurricanes and tropical storms. Once a hurricane develops in the Atlantic, it may be difficult to find an insurance company willing to write coverage until after the storm threat passes.

“Don’t wait until it’s too late to protect yourself and your property from a hurricane or other disaster,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Ensure that your insurance coverage is up to date so you can minimize financial damage. Review your insurance policies and know what is – and is not – covered. Talk to your insurance agent or company or contact the Bureau of Insurance if you have questions.”

White encourages policyholders to consider the following:

• Does your homeowners policy contain a special deductible for wind or hurricane losses? These deductibles are applied separately from any other deductible on a homeowners policy and may be written as a flat amount, such as $1,000, or applied to a loss as a percentage of the insurance coverage on the dwelling.
• Does your homeowners policy provide coverage for such things as sewer backup? Most homeowners policies do not provide coverage for sewer backup, but policyholders may purchase additional coverage for this.
• Are vehicles covered in the event of a hurricane or windstorm? If you have other-than-collision (or comprehensive) coverage for your vehicle under your automobile policy, your vehicles generally will be covered for flood and wind damage.

Keep in mind that hurricane damage is often caused by flooding, not high winds. Standard homeowners, renters and commercial insurance policies issued in Virginia typically do not provide coverage for damage from floods, surface water or storm surge. Insurance coverage for flood damage is available to homeowners, renters and business owners in eligible communities through the National Flood Insurance Program, but there is typically a 30-day waiting period before a new flood insurance policy takes effect. Learn more at www.floodsmart.gov.

Creating an inventory of your personal property including photos, videotapes and serial numbers can help facilitate the claims process if damage occurs. Keep this home inventory and your insurance policies in a secure, waterproof and fireproof container and take them with you if you evacuate. Your policies contain the policy number and insurance company’s phone number if you have questions or need to file a claim.

If your property is damaged by a hurricane, contact your insurance agent or company as soon as possible. To protect your property from further damage, make necessary emergency repairs. Document all damage to your property and include photographs, notes and repair-related receipts.

To learn more, contact the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9185. The Bureau offers free consumer guides for homeowners and commercial property owners with information about what to do when a disaster strikes. These are available on its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Disaster-Readiness.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has denied as contrary to the public interest under Virginia law the request of Toll Road Investors Partnership II L.P., or TRIP II, to increase tolls on the Dulles Greenway.


TRIP II had requested toll increase for most cars to $8.10 during peak hours and $6.40 during off-peak hours. 
In its final order issued today, the Commission agreed with SCC Senior Examiner Michael D. Thomas that the proposed rate increases would not be reasonable for users and are likely to discourage the public’s use of the roadway. 


The Commission rejected TRIP II’s argument that the Virginia statute governing the Greenway’s tolls is unconstitutional as applied to TRIP II in this proceeding. The Commission also declined TRIP II’s proposed alternative procedures for streamlining future rate cases but invited TRIP II to convene a stakeholder working group on the subject. 


The Commission considered testimony gathered during a local hearing in Chantilly, Virginia; during a telephone hearing and evidentiary hearing; and filed by parties including Loudoun County, as well as evidence presented by SCC staff.
 

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Contact: Greg Weatherford, 804-371-9141
 

Case Number PUR-2023-00089 – Application of Toll Road Investors Partnership II for authorization for an increase in the maximum level of tolls on Dulles Greenway

RICHMOND – Hurricanes and other natural disasters can take an immense toll on businesses including closures or disruptions that may last for days, weeks or longer. Some businesses may never reopen following a natural disaster, while others that reopen may fail soon after. No business is immune to the effects of natural disasters. Even disasters far away can impact your business by disrupting supply chains and communications.

The State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages businesses to assess their risk of damage or disruptions from disasters, review their insurance coverage regularly, and adjust it as needed to make sure they have enough coverage to help return their business to operation. Businesses should understand what their policies cover and how much they may need to make repairs, minimize disruptions and pay business expenses – including payroll and payments to creditors – in the event of a disaster.

Contact your insurance agent or company now – before disaster strikes – if you have questions about coverage or filing a claim.

Advance planning is critical. “The survival of your business can depend largely upon how you plan for and respond to disasters,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Protect yourself and your business physically and financially by preparing for the unexpected and having the insurance coverage you need when you need it.”

The Bureau offers the following tips to help get your business running again as quickly as possible after a natural disaster:

• Assess your risk for certain types of disasters, such as fires or floods.
• Have emergency disaster and business continuity plans in place that include a communications plan, employee contact information, backup vendors or suppliers, a temporary relocation site and procedures for work processes and payroll.
• Make sure your insurance coverage is up to date by reviewing policies and adjusting as needed.
• Know how to respond if disaster strikes.

Educate yourself on what your insurance policies cover and consider the following: 

• What are your deductibles, coverage limits and exclusions?
• Do you need additional or separate coverages such as coverage for damage related to floods or earthquakes, which are not usually covered by standard business insurance policies?
• Do you need separate automobile insurance for business vehicles?
• Are your business and its contents insured for current replacement cost?
• Will you need business interruption insurance to cover loss of income that your business may suffer after a disaster?

Additional steps businesses can take include the following:

• Share business continuity plans with employees and hold disaster simulation exercises.
• Develop a communication plan and procedures for work processes and payroll during a disaster or business interruption.
• Keep preparedness items onsite at your workplace – including disaster provisions, maps with evacuation routes and access to a working radio and mobile apps for emergency instructions.
• Compile and safely store an inventory of assets and equipment (including computer hardware), and back up all personal and company data regularly in case information is lost during a disaster.
• Keep physical copies of important records (such as building plans, insurance policies, bank accounts and employee contact information) in a safe, waterproof and fireproof place.

The Bureau offers free consumer guides specifically geared to businesses. To learn more, contact the Consumer Services Section of the Bureau of Insurance Property and Casualty Division toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9185 or visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

For additional emergency preparedness information relating to disasters, visit vaemergency.gov.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – August 11 is 811 Day, a day on which the Commonwealth recognizes the importance of always contacting Virginia 811 before you dig. Virginia 811 is the one-call notification center created by Virginia’s utilities to protect their underground facilities from damage, prevent service interruptions to customers, and to avert injury or damage to people or property while digging.

Contacting Virginia 811 to have your underground utilities located and marked is a free and simple process. If you will be excavating at a single address, go online at www.va811.com to enter your request for the marking of utility lines. This online service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

You may also call 8-1-1 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., excluding state and national holidays. Emergency notification service is available 24/7, 365 days a year as well. Know What’s Below, contact Virginia 811 before you dig and Dig with C.A.R.E!

C.A.R.E. means:

• Contact Virginia 811 before you dig.
• Allow the required time for marking.
• Respect and protect the marks.
• Excavate carefully.

Taking the important first step and contacting Virginia 811 before you dig goes a long way in helping keep Virginia’s underground utility infrastructure damage-free, and our communities, business districts and environment are also kept safe in the process.

To learn more about “Digging with C.A.R.E.” and Virginia’s underground utility damage prevention program, contact the State Corporation Commission’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety at 804-371-9980 or visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Utility-Railroad-Safety.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is offering an opportunity for members of the public to hear presentations regarding health insurance rates in Virginia’s individual and small group market for plan year 2025. The presentations will be held on Thursday, August 22, at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission's courtroom C, located on the second floor of the Tyler building, 1300 East Main Street in Richmond. The presentations also will be broadcast online through a live webcast available through the SCC’s website.  

The SCC has historically delegated to its Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) its responsibility for reviewing and approving rates for health benefit plans issued in Virginia in the individual and small group markets. The Bureau, with assistance from the Virginia Department of Health, performs plan management functions required to evaluate health benefit plans and stand-alone dental plans for participation in Virginia’s Health Benefit Exchange in accordance with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Bureau has until August 30, 2024, to complete its review of Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) for the 2025 plan year.

Before providing the results of its QHP certification recommendations to the SCC’s Health Benefit Exchange Division, and before finalizing form and rate approvals for health insurance products for sale and use in Virginia both on and off the Exchange, the Bureau receives insurance company rate information from all carriers and coordinates in-person insurance rate presentations by select carriers. Those presentations provide an overview of the range of rate impact or change for identified health insurance products proposed to be offered in the individual and small group markets for use in Virginia as of January 1, 2025. The presentations also review the Virginia health insurance market as a whole and focus on some key factors in rate changes.

To listen to the presentations, visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/ACA-rate-form-filing-information and review “Upcoming Meetings.” Information and instructions on how to submit public comments will be provided during the rate presentations.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

SCC case number INS-2024-00055 – In Re: In the matter of presentations of premium rates in connection with individual and small group health insurance coverage

RICHMOND – August is the time when many students head to college, some for the first time. While college means new classes, instructors, friends and living quarters, it can also mean new insurance needs.

The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages Virginia families with college students to make sure their college prep checklist includes a thorough review of both their own insurance needs and those of their students. “Protect yourself and your family financially by ensuring your student has the insurance coverage they need for their health, auto, living space and belongings before they leave for college,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Make sure they understand their coverage and how to file a claim, if needed.”

The Bureau encourages parents and students to shop around for insurance coverage and compare premiums and policy provisions. Read any insurance policy carefully and make sure you understand exactly what is covered, as well as exclusions, deductibles and limits. If you have questions or concerns, contact your insurance agent or company.

The Bureau offers the following insurance considerations for parents and college students:

HEALTH

College students have several options for getting health insurance. Under federal law, students may be able to stay on their parents’ health insurance until they turn 26 years old. If your student remains on your health insurance policy, make sure they have a copy of any insurance cards and understand what services are covered, as well as know how to obtain referrals, if necessary, before seeking treatment. Under some health insurance policies, your student would need to find a physician or hospital that is within your insurance carrier’s provider network – except for emergency care – or pay more out of pocket if a provider is outside your carrier’s network.

Students who do not have health insurance through a parent's policy, or who have limited coverage due to provider networks or service areas, may opt to purchase a student health insurance plan through their college or university. Students also may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period that would allow them to apply for a private health insurance plan through Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace at marketplace.virginia.gov.

PERSONAL PROPERTY AND HOUSING

College students often take many valuable items with them to school, such as laptops, printers, mobile phones, televisions, gaming devices and bicycles. When reviewing your insurance needs, consider how much it would cost to replace everything in your student’s dorm room or apartment if a theft or disaster occurred.

For students who live in on-campus student housing, their parents’ homeowners or renters policy may cover their belongings if they are stolen or damaged. Some policies, however, may limit the amount of coverage provided. Certain items – such as jewelry or expensive electronics – may require special coverage. In the event of a loss, policy deductibles may also apply.

Students living off campus should consider renters insurance, which typically covers a tenant's personal property and insures the tenant in case someone is injured on their leased premises. Landlords’ policies generally only cover the structure, not a renter’s possessions. Renters insurance premiums vary depending on the location of the rental unit and the value of the tenant's possessions.

No matter where your student lives, an inventory of personal property will help you and your student determine how much insurance is needed. If a loss occurs, the inventory can facilitate the claims process. Free smartphone apps – like the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Home Inventory – make creating a home inventory easy.

AUTO

For college students planning to take a car to school, parents should ask their insurance agent or company about coverage availability – as well as rates for the city and state where the college is located – before deciding whether to keep the student’s car on the family policy. If your student is attending college in another state, make sure you know that state’s minimum requirements for auto insurance coverage. Additionally, check with your agent or insurance company about good student discounts on the vehicle’s insurance premiums for students who maintain good grades.

Students whose names are on the title for a car should be named as an insured on the auto insurance policy. However, they may be able to stay on their parents' policy if their parents own the vehicle they will use at school. Tell your insurance agent where the vehicle will be kept if the address is different from what is on the policy.

For more information, contact the Bureau toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or visit its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141