House advances Herring-backed bill setting limits on utility disconnections during severe weather

Legislation sponsored by State Del. Charniele L. Herring intends to safeguard residential utility customers by imposing restrictions on service disconnections during periods of extreme weather and tightening requirements for notices and payment options, the Virginia State House reported.

The bill cleared both chambers and was officially enrolled as of March 30, 2026, passing the House with an 84-14 vote and the Senate unanimously at 39-0.

Known as HB898, the bill was introduced on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session. As summarized by the state legislature: “Electric utilities, certain; SCC to determine maximum amount of fees for disconnection, etc.”

Below is an analysis derived from the bill text, with added interpretation to clarify its provisions.

Essentially, the bill prohibits regulated electric, gas, water and wastewater utilities from disconnecting residential customers who have overdue accounts during extreme temperatures, on Fridays, on state holidays, weekends or the day prior to a state holiday. Utilities must rely on National Weather Service forecasts, provide written policies and notification about disconnections in both English and Spanish, and utilize at least two methods to alert customers about nonpayment. Disconnections cannot occur until accounts are at least 60 days past due. Utilities must offer payment arrangements or assistance details, cap certain deposits at 25% of unpaid balances, and eliminate all disconnection and reconnection fees for residential users.

In the House, backing came from 63 Democrats and 21 Republicans, with 14 Republicans voting no.

In the Senate, 20 Democrats joined 19 Republicans in approving the legislation.

The primary sponsors were Del. Charniele L. Herring (Democrat-4th District) and Del. Dan I. Helmer (Democrat-10th District).

Herring earned her BA from George Mason University in 1993 and obtained a JD from the Catholic University Columbus School of Law in 1997.

Herring, a Democrat, secured election to the Virginia State House in 2024 to represent the 4th House district, succeeding William Wampler III.

In Virginia, the process for passing legislation starts with a bill introduced in either the House of Delegates or the Senate. It is sent to committee for consideration and potential amendments. If it advances out of committee, it moves to chamber-wide debate and a vote in both legislative houses. If both approve the bill, it is sent to the governor, who has the option to sign it, veto it, or let it become law without signing. The Virginia General Assembly meets each year in regular session beginning the second Monday in January. Legislators file hundreds of bills per session, but only a fraction become statute.

Details in this report are drawn from the Virginia State House. Find the underlying source data here.