Virginia Administrative Code Title 20 - PUBLIC UTILITIES AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS
Overview
VAC Title 20 governs the regulation, operation, and oversight of public utilities and telecommunications services in Virginia. Its purpose is to ensure that essential utility and telecom services—such as electricity, gas, water, sewer, and telephone/telecommunication services—are provided safely, reliably, and at fair rates to consumers while balancing the interests of service providers.
The rules in Title 20 are primarily enforced by the State Corporation Commission (SCC), which has authority over public utilities in Virginia.
Key Areas Covered under Title 20
Utility Service Regulation
Establishes rules for electric, natural gas, water, and sewer utilities.
Sets standards for service quality, safety, and reliability.
Includes rules for billing, deposits, disconnections, and customer complaints.
Telecommunications Regulation
Covers telephone, mobile, and broadband service providers.
Ensures fair competition while preventing unfair practices.
Establishes rules for interconnection, tariffs, and service obligations.
Rates and Tariffs
Public utilities must file rate schedules and tariff changes with the SCC for approval.
Rates must be just and reasonable, balancing consumer protection with the provider’s financial stability.
Title 20 provides detailed procedures for rate hearings and adjustments.
Service Standards and Consumer Protection
Rules include minimum standards of service, response times for outages, and service restoration procedures.
Establishes consumer rights related to billing, deposits, service termination, and complaint resolution.
Utility companies are required to maintain records and reports to demonstrate compliance.
Franchise and Licensing Requirements
Utilities and telecommunications companies must obtain licenses or franchises to operate in Virginia.
Requirements include insurance, safety standards, and financial responsibility.
Enforcement and Penalties
The SCC can investigate complaints, impose fines, and require corrective action for violations of Title 20 regulations.
Companies that fail to comply with rules may face suspension of operations or other administrative actions.
Infrastructure and Emergency Planning
Utilities must comply with rules for maintenance, safety inspections, and emergency preparedness.
Ensures continuity of service during natural disasters or system failures.
Authority and Scope
Title 20 gives the SCC authority to oversee utilities and telecom providers, enforce regulations, and approve rate structures.
Covers all investor-owned utilities, some municipal utilities, and telecommunications providers.
Includes technical, financial, and customer service standards to ensure public protection.
Limitations
Title 20 does not regulate purely private businesses that do not provide utility services to the public.
The SCC cannot set policy outside the scope of utilities or telecommunications.
Focuses on consumer protection, service quality, and fair pricing, not on the internal business operations of utilities.
✅ In short:
VAC Title 20 ensures that utility and telecommunications services in Virginia are safe, reliable, fairly priced, and responsive to consumer needs. It provides standards for service, rates, consumer protection, licensing, and enforcement under the oversight of the State Corporation Commission.
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