Jim Webb Fights Dominion Rates

I normally look askance at Federal officials making hay out of state matters, but in this case I am happy that any attention has been brought to the issue of Dominion's rate increases and the SCC.

U.S. Sen. Jim Webb said Thursday he's concerned about Dominion Virginia Power's request to raise rates about 18 percent because of high fuel costs. The Virginia Democrat sent a letter Thursday to the State Corporation Commission regarding the proposal, which would be the company's largest one-time rate increase since 1970.
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"In this time of economic uncertainty, an increase in energy costs could compel individuals and families to choose between putting food on their table and paying their energy bill," Webb wrote, also asking that small businesses be taken into account. - WTOPnews.com

Under the current (state) laws directing the SCC, these rate increases are practically automatic. It will take a reform of the principles on which the SCC makes decisions to change it from a corporate partner to an advocate for the residents of Virginia. That change needs to come from the Assembly, by electing people dedicated to making it happen, but attention from Sen. Webb can help by keeping the issue alive.

There is a reason many are advocating for Sen. Webb to be Sen. Obama's VP selection. This interview below is a nice encapsulation of our junior Senator.



(With a tip-o-the-hat to RaisingKaine.)