Virginia will be the next battleground state to see if utility monopolies are going to continue to be able to deny consumers the right to choose their energy. VERC, the Virginia Energy Reform Coalition, has introduced a bill to end monopoly control of Virginia energy systems and expand consumer choice. It’s called the Virginia Energy Reform Act, and it’s a bipartisan bill to establish a competitive energy retail market. It would include consumer protections and education, creation of an independent grid operator, and phase out wholesale capacity markets.
"Shrinking the control of the government-imposed electricity monopoly means more citizens' control, more choices, more innovation and lower prices," former Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli said about the formation of the coalition.
More competition in the market has been shown to lead to increased clean energy use while keeping prices low. Consumers want to have a choice, and next election, they will be able to choose for themselves. We will be watching this bill closely and are excited to see where it goes.