Virginia lawmakers approve bill for new energy assistance program for helping low-income Virginia residents

Virginia lawmakers have passed legislation to create a new energy assistance program to provide relief to low-income residents.

HB2230, puts a limit on electric bills for Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power customers. The new Percentage of Income Payment Program, according to the Sierra Club Foundation, will provide eligible ratepayers with an average savings of over $300 on their annual electric bills, while they may have any outstanding debt forgiven.

The legislation also aims to create energy efficiency and energy conservation education programs to further alleviate energy burdens. If signed into law, this new program will be administered by the Virginia Dept. of Social Services and Virginia’s Dept. of Housing and Community Development.

Mary-Stuart Torbeck, Sierra Club Foundation’s Beyond Coal Campaign Campaign Representative, released this statement:

“We commend bill patron Delegate Kaye Kory (D-38) and the General Assembly for creating a pathway for low-income ratepayers to receive much-needed utility bill assistance. The PIPP provides real benefits to low-income families across the commonwealth by reducing utility costs, and by reducing energy waste which will add additional savings to their bills over time. This legislation passes at a time when low-income Virginians are disproportionately impacted by the economic crisis from COVID19 and are spending more time at home further increasing their already high energy bills. PIPP has the ability to make a positive material impact on Virginians lives.”

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