SCC News

RICHMOND – Virginia consumers now have an opportunity to shop for affordable health care coverage or make changes to an existing plan for the 2023 plan year through HealthCare.gov. The 2023 Open Enrollment period will take place from November 1, 2022, to January 15, 2023. Open Enrollment is the only time during the year consumers can enroll in coverage, without a qualifying life event that can make you eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

For 2023, enhanced premium credits have been continued and more Virginians will now be eligible for financial assistance. The federal government recently finalized a new rule which makes financial assistance available to family members of certain workers whose employer provided insurance may not be affordable for spouses and dependents.

In accordance with federal law, Qualified Health Plans (QHPs) must provide coverage for 10 essential health benefits which include:

Qualified Health Plans also prohibit denials for pre-existing conditions, require zero co-pays on preventative care, and have no lifetime maximums on covered benefits.

Through HealthCare.gov, Virginia residents can access financial assistance to lower costs for health insurance for plan year 2023.

For coverage that begins January 1, 2023, there are now at least two health carriers participating in the marketplace in every county and region across the Commonwealth.

To begin an application or renew existing coverage, consumers can visit HealthCare.gov or call the Marketplace Call Center at 1-800-318-2596, TTY: 1-855-889-4325.

For free in-person or on-line help, or help over the phone, Virginia residents have several options.

• Local navigators and assisters can be found at the Enroll Virginia website:  ENROLL Virginia! (enrollva.org) or by calling 1-888-392-5132.
• Certified agents and brokers in their community can be found by visiting Get help applying and more | HealthCare.gov

To learn more about the Virginia Exchange or obtain additional contact information, visit the Exchange Website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/pages/HBE-Consumer-Contact

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Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved two programs that allow customers of Dominion Energy Virginia the opportunity to participate in shared solar initiatives. Under a shared solar program, a customer purchases a subscription for a certain amount of the kilowatt-hour (kWh) electricity produced by a solar facility.

During the 2020 session of the Virginia General Assembly, legislation was enacted directing the SCC to establish a multi-family shared program (Code § 56-585.1:12) and a separate shared solar program (Code § 56-594.3).

In Case Number PUR-2020-00124, the SCC approved the multi-family shared solar program for Dominion customers. Under this program, the solar facility is located on or adjacent to a multi-family dwelling (such as an apartment complex). Customers in that multi-family dwelling can subscribe to a portion of the kWh output of the solar facility located next to the dwelling. Customers receive a credit on their utility bill, based on Dominion's full retail rate, for the kWh amount of the customer's shared solar subscription.

In Case Number PUR-2020-00125, the Commission issued an order confirming its prior approval of a separate shared solar program. Under this program, the solar facility can be located anywhere in Dominion's territory, and customers of Dominion can subscribe to a portion of the kWh output of this solar facility regardless of the customer's location.

These customers also receive a credit on their utility bill, based on Dominion's full retail rate, for the kWh amount of the customer's shared solar subscription. In addition, because Dominion still delivers the solar facility's kWh to these customers, the statute creating this Shared Solar Program directs the Commission "to ensure [these] customers pay a fair share of the costs of providing electric services." (Code § 56-594.3 D)

Thus, customers in this program also pay for costs to deliver the solar facility's kWh to the customer. Finally, as also required by statute, low-income customers that participate in this Shared Solar Program are exempted from paying these kWh delivery charges.

Contact: Andy Farmer, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2020-00124 – In the matter of establishing regulations for a multi-family shared solar program pursuant to § 56-585.1:12 of the Code of Virginia
Case Number PUR-2020-00125 – In the matter of establishing regulations for a shared program pursuant to § 56-594.3 of the Code of Virginia 

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is offering time for members of the public to give oral comments by telephone on an application by Appalachian Power Company to increase its fuel factor for usage on and after November 1, 2022.

Appalachian Power’s application requests approval to recover the company's estimated Virginia jurisdictional fuel expenses of approximately $416,140,161 for the November 1, 2022, through October 31, 2023, fuel year, and its projected October 31, 2022, fuel deferral balance of $361,411,867, subject to its mitigation proposal.

The company’s mitigation proposal would spread recovery of the projected fuel deferral balance over two years.

For a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the average weighted monthly bill would increase by $20.17, from $127.81 to $147.98 under the Company’s proposal. The Commission has permitted the Company to place the proposal into effect on an interim basis, subject to further modification, effective November 1, 2022.

The SCC has scheduled a public witness session to begin at 10 a.m. on December 13, 2022. Public witnesses intending to provide oral testimony must pre-register with the SCC by 5 p.m. on December 7, 2022. 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-2022-00139 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.

A public evidentiary hearing will follow the public witness hearing at 10 a.m. on December 14, 2022, 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 Appalachian Power application. Written comments may be submitted through the SCC’s website by December 6, 2022, 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-2022-00139. Then click 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-2022-00139.

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Contact: Ford Carson, 804-371-9141

Case Number PUR-2022-00139 – Appalachian Power Company application to revise its fuel factor

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) awarded a contract to GetInsured of Mountain View, California, which also has an office in Richmond, for the technology platform and consumer assistance center that will support Virginia’s health insurance exchange (Exchange), an online consumer marketplace for private health insurance coverage.

Following a competitive procurement process that included evaluation committee members and subject matter experts from three state agencies, the SCC selected GetInsured for an eight-year contract. GetInsured has successfully transitioned three states to operate their own health insurance exchanges, and currently operates the technology for seven state-based exchanges.

"The SCC is looking forward to working with GetInsured, a proven company with unmatched experience helping states transition from the federal exchange," said Keven Patchett, director of the Exchange. "With this contract award, we are taking the final steps to execute on providing a Virginia-based exchange focused on high-quality consumer service and connecting more Virginians to affordable health insurance."

The new contract does not impact the upcoming Open Enrollment that starts November 1, 2022. Until the transition to a state-based exchange is completed in fall 2023, Virginians should visit Healthcare.gov  to sign up for coverage.

In 2020 the Virginia General Assembly passed legislation creating the Health Benefit Exchange Division within the SCC. This division is responsible for overseeing Virginia's transition to a Virginia Exchange.

The Exchange will work closely with partners and stakeholders throughout this transition, including Virginia’s insurance carriers, agents, brokers, and navigators to promote an efficient, consumer-friendly shopping experience.

“We are delighted to bring all the benefits of a state-based exchange to Virginia,” said GetInsured CEO Chini Krishnan. “We commend the state for taking this important step. A state-based exchange will allow Virginia to better address and respond to the unique needs of its market and will make health insurance even more accessible to communities across the state."

RICHMOND – Every three hours in the United States, a person or vehicle is hit by a train, according to Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI), a nonprofit organization dedicated to rail safety education. During Rail Safety Week – September 19-25, 2022 – the State Corporation Commission (SCC) is pleased to join forces with OLI, state Operation Lifesaver programs and other rail safety partners throughout North America to raise awareness about the need for pedestrians, motorists, bicyclists and others to stay safe around railroad tracks and crossings.

Lauren Govoni, director of the SCC’s Division of Utility and Railroad Safety (Division), and Virginia Operation Lifesaver Coordinator Tracey Lamb encourage Virginians to stay alert, use caution and obey signals around railroad tracks, and to always expect a train. “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.”

As part of this annual nationwide campaign, the SCC will partner with law enforcement and organizations throughout the state to promote daily Rail Safety Week themes that include commuter and transit safety, crossing safety and professional drivers, trespass prevention, and photographer safety. It will also share potentially life-saving information on its website and social media pages.

While the 76 percent decrease in collisions nationwide at highway-rail grade crossings during the past 50 years is encouraging, “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, exit your vehicle immediately and call the phone number on the blue Emergency Notification System sign located at the crossing or call 911,” she said.

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

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) approved an increase to the fuel rate for customers of Dominion Energy Virginia that includes a mitigation proposal that would spread the recovery of the $1.020 billion projected fuel deferral over three years. The Commission also approved a stipulation under which Dominion Energy agreed to waive recovery of one-half of its incremental carrying costs arising from the three-year mitigation proposal, approximately $27.5 million.

The rate increase became effective on an interim basis, subject to further modification, on July 1, 2022.

For a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month, it represented an increase to the average weighted monthly bill of $14.93.

The fuel rate is the portion of the electric bill that pays for the fuel used to generate electricity and costs associated with power purchased by the utility company to serve its customers.

In its final order, the Commission stated: “the Commission notes its awareness of the ongoing rise in gas prices, inflation, and other economic pressures that are impacting all utility customers. We are sensitive to the effects of rate increases, especially in times such as these. The Commission, however, must follow the laws applicable to this case, as well as the findings of fact supported by the evidence in the record. This is what we have done herein.”

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Contact: Ford Carson, 804-371-9141

Order Establishing 2022-2023 Fuel Factor

RICHMOND – What would you do if your business is flooded, or a fire or powerful winds destroyed your building? Natural disasters can take a severe toll on businesses, knocking them out of commission for days, weeks or months and curtailing even the best laid plans. Some businesses never reopen following a natural disaster, and others that can reopen may fail within one year after disaster strikes.

Even natural disasters far away - including hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, wildfires and earthquakes – can impact your business by disrupting supply chains and communications. Small businesses are especially vulnerable to natural disasters since they often have fewer resources, locations and employees to help them become operational again.

"How you plan for and respond to disasters can determine whether your business survives," said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott A. White. “Protect yourself and your business against the unexpected by having the insurance coverage you need and updating it regularly.”

The State Corporation Commission's (SCC) Bureau of Insurance (Bureau) urges businesses to undertake advance planning – both physical and financial – to safeguard employees, protect assets and minimize business disruptions. To get your business running again as quickly as possible after a disaster, here are some steps you can take now:

• Understand risks, including the potential danger of natural disasters;
• Have emergency disaster and business continuity plans in place;
• Make sure your insurance coverage is up-to-date by reviewing policies and making adjustments as needed; and
• Know how to respond if disaster strikes.

The Bureau specifically urges you to educate yourself on what your insurance policies cover and how much money you may need to make repairs and pay employees, creditors and yourself in the event of a disaster. Consider:

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

Additional steps small business owners can take include the following:

• Share business continuity plans with employees that include current employee contact information, backup vendors or suppliers and a temporary relocation site;
• 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), as well as 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;
• After a disaster strikes your business, contact your insurance agent or company immediately and ask what information is needed to file a claim.

The Bureau of Insurance 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 – The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is recognizing Lifeline Awareness Week, September 12-16, 2022, to bring attention to an important communications resource for low-income Virginians. Lifeline, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company, provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on qualifying voice and broadband services for eligible subscribers.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought remote work, education, and medical care to the forefront, underscoring the need for all Virginians to stay digitally connected. You could be eligible for Lifeline if your income falls below a certain level – at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines – or 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

Participating companies can help with enrollment. You can also use a new option – the National Verifier – to check your eligibility and sign up for Lifeline. Since not all companies are required to offer Lifeline service, it’s a good idea to contact area providers to see if they participate.

To learn more about Lifeline 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 the Universal Service Administrative Co. at LifelineProgram@usac.org.

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Contact: Ford Carson, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – Fueled by rising interest in investing, reliance on apps and social media for investing information is replacing more traditional sources of such information, such as brokerage or investment advisory firms. Increasingly, Virginians rely on social media to find investment advice and connect with financial advisors.

This trend has introduced financial influencers or “finfluencers” – celebrities or other well-known online personalities who use social media (such as Twitter, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook or other sites) – to promote investment opportunities or offer financial advice. These finfluencers may or may not have a background in the financial services industry, and sometimes receive compensation by the business offering the investment, the social media platform on which the message appears, or some other undisclosed source with an interest in the promoted investment or financial service.

“When it comes to investing, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, individuals should consider whether an investment fits their particular needs,” said Ron Thomas, director of the State Corporation Commission’s (SCC) Division of Securities and Retail Franchising (Division). Thomas encourages Virginians to review financial opportunities on social media carefully and investigate them thoroughly. “Understand the risks and benefits of any investment and never invest more than you can afford to lose,” he said.

The financial services industry is highly regulated, with strict rules about statements concerning an investment’s performance and disclosures regarding compensation and potential conflicts of interest. Investment promoters typically must provide potential investors with all information relevant to making an informed investment decision.

Thomas offers the following tips:

• Consider investment opportunities or advice from finfluencers with caution and independently conduct your own due diligence before investing or taking advice.
• Be wary of content on social media or elsewhere promoting investment opportunities with big or guaranteed returns with little or no risk. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
• As part of your due diligence, independently verify who is offering an investment and the details of any offers. Keep in mind that individuals offering investments are obligated to disclose all material facts regarding an investment, and they must disclose the risks associated with each product.
• Make sure any investment and the person offering it are properly registered. In Virginia, contact the Division at 804-371-9051 or toll-free at 1-800-552-7945, or email SRF_General@scc.virginia.gov.

For more information, visit the Division’s website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Consumer-Investments or the NASAA website at nasaa.org/64940/informed-investor-advisory-finfluencers/?qoid=investor-advisories.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141

RICHMOND – When a family member dies – particularly if they are a wage earner – their survivors may suffer financial loss, or even hardship. Life insurance is designed to protect loved ones against the loss of an individual’s income or services. During Life Insurance Awareness Month (September), 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.

“When considering your family’s financial future, review your existing financial resources, debts and other liabilities, as well as your family’s needs and goals,” said Virginia Insurance Commissioner Scott White. “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 and update their policies and beneficiaries to ensure their coverage keeps pace with their changing circumstances. Life events – such as a 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.

When determining whether to purchase life insurance and how much coverage you may need, evaluate your existing resources and your family’s likely financial situation following a death. Consider the following: Does your spouse work? Do you have any sources of income other than salary? Do you have life insurance through your job?

Also think about financial obligations that may fall upon family members if you die, such as mortgage or rent payments, business expenses, medical expenses, car loans or student loans. Also consider your family’s short-term and long-term goals – such as your spouse’s 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 if you die. What you pay for life insurance (premiums) depends largely on the type of policy chosen, your health status, age, gender, occupation, family health history and lifestyle. Be sure to compare premiums, coverage and claims service when considering life insurance options.

Contact the Bureau in Richmond at 804-371-9741 or toll-free at 1-877-310-6560 for questions or to make sure the company or individual offering the coverage is licensed and in good standing. The Bureau offers a free Virginia Life Insurance Consumer Guide with answers to many life insurance questions on its website at scc.virginia.gov/pages/Tips,-Guides-Publications.

The National Association of Insurance Commissioners 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://eapps.naic.org/life-policy-locator/#/welcome.

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Contact: Katha Treanor, 804-371-9141