Committee advances bill expanding PIP utility assistance; SCC estimates a 39¢ monthly impact for Dominion customers

A House sponsor told the Senate committee the bill would expand the PIP (Percentage of Income Payment) program to include households up to 200% of the federal poverty level and limit monthly program participant payments to a percentage of income (3% or 5% depending on heating source). The measure also preserves program features such as debt-forgiveness for participants who make timely monthly payments.

Senators asked whether adding more participants would force other ratepayers to see higher bills. A representative from the State Corporation Commission said the estimated customer-bill impact for Dominion customers would be about $0.39 a month; the fund has been stable recently and a 0 rate has applied in the immediate past because the fund balance covered payouts. Senator McPike urged caution but supported the underlying policy, citing recent cold-weather hardships.

The committee adopted an amendment to add an enactment clause that would prevent the bill from taking effect if it raised the universal service fee; recorded votes and further fiscal review were discussed. Supporters including the Virginia Poverty Law Center and conservation groups urged the committee to move the bill forward; opponents warned to monitor bill impacts on non-participant customers.