SCC News

RICHMOND – The holiday season, for many, means good food, gifts, gatherings with friends and loved ones and engaging in special festivities. Don’t let cooking fires, stolen gifts, icy sidewalks, overworked electrical outlets or other seasonal hazards dampen your holiday spirit.

The State Corporation Commission’s Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) encourages Virginians to protect themselves financially against holiday mishaps by ensuring they have the insurance coverage they need.

“At home or on the road, don’t let a lack of insurance coverage put the brakes on your happy holiday season,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. “Review your insurance now. Understand what is and is not covered and ask your insurance agent or company if you have questions.”

Review your insurance coverage and update it as needed to protect yourself and your loved ones in the event an injury, illness, theft or other mishap occurs.

Take steps now to keep your home, vehicle and belongings safe during the holidays. Know how much your auto and homeowners insurance will cover if someone steals gifts, decorations or other items from your vehicle, home or yard. Know, too, what type of insurance you need if a special holiday meal or decorations go up in flames; an undercooked turkey sends guests to the hospital; a guest slips and falls on your front steps; or frozen pipes burst causing water damage to your home.

Severe winter weather and distracted drivers can make holiday driving a challenge. Keep your auto insurance company’s contact information and a copy of your insurance card with you when you drive. Review your liability limits to ensure you have adequate protection against injury or damage if you are involved in an accident during the hectic holiday rush.

Know what your health insurance will cover if you need treatment at an urgent care facility or hospital while you are out-of-state or traveling abroad. Take health insurance information with you when traveling, such as identification cards and contact details for all of your family members.

Make an early New Year’s resolution to create – or update – your home inventory. An inventory can help you determine if your homeowners or renters policy provides enough coverage for your belongings and can facilitate the claims process if you have to file an insurance claim. An inventory also will help you identify high-cost items that may need separate insurance coverage such as jewelry, art or electronics.

Check to make sure you have insurance coverage for seasonal activities that you may enjoy such as skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling.

For information about a variety of insurance-related topics, contact the Bureau in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 or visit its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance. Additional information also may be found on the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ website at naic.org.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

Richmond – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has scheduled a hearing on Dominion Energy Virginia’s 2024 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) this spring. An IRP is a document developed by an electric utility that provides a forecast of that electric utility’s load obligations and a plan to meet those obligations by supply side and demand side resources over the next 15 years to promote reasonable prices, reliable service, energy independence, and environmental responsibility. 

In its IRP, Dominion forecasts a 5.5 percent annual increase in electricity demand over the next decade, and for electricity demand to double by 2039 in the company’s delivery zone within the PJM Interconnection, LLC (PJM) region. PJM is a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in 13 Mid-Atlantic states and the District of Columbia.

Dominion asserts that the Company's IRP "highlights the need to address significant demand growth through resource adequacy across all functions of the utility, the balance between clean energy priorities and the paramount requirement of service reliability, and maintaining rates that continue to be affordable for [the Company's] customers…" Dominion also recognizes that the IRP is a “snapshot in time” and not a request to approve any specific resource or portfolio.

The SCC has scheduled a public witness session to begin at 10 a.m. on April 14, 2025. Public witnesses intending to provide oral testimony must pre-register with the SCC by 5 p.m. on April 8, 2025. The hearing will be webcast at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting.  

Public witnesses wishing to provide oral testimony may pre-register in one of three ways:

• Completing a public witness form for case number PUR-2024-00184 on the SCC’s website at: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Webcasting 
• E-mailing the same form (PDF version on the same website as above) to SCCInfo@scc.virginia.gov
• Calling the SCC at 804-371-9141 during normal business hours (8:15 a.m. – 5 p.m.) and providing your name and the phone number you wish the Commission to call to reach you during the hearing.
• To promote fairness for all public witnesses, each witness will be allotted five minutes to provide testimony.

A public evidentiary hearing will follow the public witness hearing at 10 a.m. on April 15, 2025, in the SCC’s second floor courtroom at 1300 East Main Street in Richmond to receive testimony and evidence from the company, any respondents and the SCC staff.

For those who prefer, there is also an opportunity to provide comments in writing on the Dominion application. Written comments may be submitted through the SCC’s website by April 8, 2025,  at scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments. Simply go to the SCC website, select "Cases" and then "Submit Public Comments," and scroll down to case number PUR-2024-00184. Then select SUBMIT COMMENTS. 

Comments can also be submitted by U.S. mail to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. All comments must refer to case number PUR-2024-00184. 

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2024-00184 – Dominion Energy Virginia’s Integrated Resource Plan

Nearly 500,000 Virginians losing Medicaid can find affordable alternatives on the Marketplace.

RICHMOND – Open enrollment begins November 1, 2024, on Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace, the Commonwealth’s official state-based exchange dedicated to providing affordable and high-quality health insurance to eligible consumers. This open enrollment season, running now through January 15, 2025, comes at an important time as nearly 500,000 Virginians have lost Medicaid coverage following the end of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Launched in 2023, the Marketplace has helped more than 400,000 Virginia residents enroll in health plans, placing Virginia among the top 10 states nationwide for first-year enrollment. The Marketplace is operated by the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, a division of the State Corporation Commission.

“Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace was designed by Virginians, for Virginians, and we’re excited to help more residents find affordable health coverage,” said Keven Patchett, director of Virginia’s Insurance Marketplace. “With more than 3,000 certified local assisters and agents across the Commonwealth and translation services in more than 15 languages, our team of experts is here to guide Virginians through open enrollment and ensure they receive the best plan to fit their needs and budget.”

The Marketplace is the only place where Virginians can apply for financial assistance to help lower their monthly health insurance costs. Nine out of 10 customers qualify for savings, and many Virginians can get coverage for as little as $10 a month. Individual and family plans are available to eligible Virginians, including those who are unemployed, are self-employed, or have jobs that don’t provide affordable insurance options.

Every health plan offered on the Marketplace covers the 10 essential health benefits required by law, which include emergency services, pregnancy and childbirth services, and prescription drugs.

“Navigating changes in your health care coverage can be daunting, especially for the many residents who have recently lost Medicaid coverage,” said Patchett. “Life happens in real time, and we are proud to be an accessible, easy-to-use resource for Virginians to find the plan that’s right for them.”

The plan year 2025 Open Enrollment Period will run from November 1, 2024, through January 15, 2025. Anyone who enrolls by December 31, 2024, will have health insurance coverage effective on January 1, 2025. For those who enroll between January 1 and January 15, coverage will begin February 1, 2025. After January 15, Virginians experiencing a Qualifying Life Event (such as having a baby or losing health insurance coverage) may be eligible to enroll during a Special Enrollment Period.

To get started, Virginians can visit Marketplace.Virginia.gov to browse and compare health insurance plans. For additional help — either online or in person — Virginians can access the following resources:

The Marketplace Help Center can connect Virginians to someone either in person or on the phone. Free translation services are also available.

The FAQ page answers some of the most common questions about the Marketplace.

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – Autumn means falling leaves and shorter periods of daylight. It also brings an increase in vehicle collisions with deer.

Deer mating and migration that typically occur this time of year contribute to an increase in vehicle-deer crashes. In fact, November is the peak month for insurance claims related to vehicle collisions with deer. The State Corporation Commission’s (SCC’s) Bureau of Insurance reminds motorists to stay alert for deer when driving on Virginia’s roadways.

“Even the most careful driver is at risk of colliding with a deer, which can leap into a roadway with no warning,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. “As fall arrives, ask your insurance agent or company to find out if your automobile policy provides coverage for claims involving a crash with deer or other wildlife.”

Insurance policies with liability-only coverage may not cover damage to your auto if it strikes a deer. Collisions with deer typically fall under optional “other-than-collision” (or “comprehensive”) coverage. In addition to deer crashes, other-than-collision coverage often covers other types of damage to your vehicle such as damage resulting from theft, wind, hail, flood, fire or vandalism.

Eliminating distractions in your vehicle and lowering your travel speed may help prevent a crash with deer. If a deer runs out in the road, drivers should stay in their lane and brake as carefully as possible. While jarring, striking a deer is often safer for the driver and vehicle occupants than swerving sharply, which may cause loss of control, creating additional peril for you and your vehicle as well as putting surrounding vehicles and their occupants at risk.

If your vehicle strikes a deer, notify law enforcement as soon as possible. If you plan to file an insurance claim, notify your insurance company and take photos of the scene of the crash when safe to do so, as well as damage to the vehicle. If you notice fluids leaking from your vehicle, damaged tires, broken lights or other damage, call a tow truck.

The Bureau of Insurance stands ready to assist Virginians with their questions regarding auto and many other types of insurance. For more information, call the Bureau at 1-877-310-6560 or in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or visit scc.virginia.gov/pages/Insurance.

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Contact: Jordan Bondurant, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is offering an opportunity for members of the public to hear presentations regarding personal motor vehicle (auto) and homeowners insurance rates in Virginia. The presentations will be held on Thursday, October 24, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. in the Commission's Courtroom C, located on the second floor of the SCC’s headquarters at 1300 East Main Street in Richmond. The presentations also will be broadcast online through a live webcast available through the SCC’s website.

These presentations – from a sampling of auto and homeowners insurers representative of those doing business in Virginia – will address the following:

• Trends affecting rates in Virginia;
• How rates in Virginia compare to rates in other states;
• The outlook for future rate changes;
• Steps being taken or anticipated to control or mitigate rate increases, and
• Options that are available to policyholders to lower rates.

In addition, the SCC’s Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) will provide an overview of its role in the rate process and review for auto and homeowners insurance rates and information regarding the market for these types of insurance in Virginia.

To listen to the presentations, visit Virginia SCC - Webcasts on the day of the presentations.

When considering purchasing auto and homeowners insurance, the Bureau encourages Virginians to shop around and compare costs, additional coverage options, deductibles, limits and any applicable exclusions. The Bureau offers a variety of resources regarding auto and homeowners insurance on its website – including online tools to help Virginians shop for and compare auto and homeowners insurance premiums – at Virginia SCC - Property & Casualty.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

INS-2024-00088 - SCC Ex Parte: 2024 State of the Market Presentations as Directed by the Commission 

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