FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kendl Kobbervig, Clean Virginia Advocacy and Communications Director
[email protected], 608-575-8798
January 24, 2024
Clean Virginia: State Corporation Commission Appointments a Win for Virginia Consumers
Fully-staffed regulatory commission prepared to meet energy challenges ahead
Richmond, VA – The Virginia General Assembly appointed Kelsey Bagot and Sam Towell to fill the remaining vacancies on the three-member State Corporation Commission (SCC) today. Bagot and Towell bring a wealth of experience in electric utility regulation and consumer protection to the agency.
Clean Virginia Executive Director Brennan Gilmore said,
“For the first time in over a year, Virginia’s State Corporation Commission is at full capacity. A fully staffed agency is vital to meeting the challenges facing Virginia’s families as the Commonwealth confronts rapidly growing energy demand and rising electric bills. ”
“The Commission plays a vital role in establishing fair electric rates and consumer protections, ensuring every Virginian has access to clean, affordable and reliable energy. We are confident that Mr. Towell and Ms. Bagot have the backgrounds necessary to assume this responsibility and are grateful to leadership in both chambers, particularly Chairs Delegate Jeion Ward and Senator Creigh Deeds, for prioritizing the appointments of two highly-qualified commissioners to the bench.”
About the State Corporation Commission
The State Corporation Commission is one of Virginia’s most important regulatory bodies. Created in 1902 as an independent branch of state government, the agency is directed by three commissioners appointed by the General Assembly for six-year terms.
The SCC regulates a number of vital industries, including Virginia’s electric utilities. SCC commissioners and staff are responsible for setting electric utility rates, assessing the necessity of new infrastructure and determining how much of a utility’s costs can be passed on to ratepayers through monthly electric bills.
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Clean Virginia is a 501(c)4 independent advocacy organization with an associated Political Action Committee, Clean Virginia Fund. Clean Virginia works to fight corruption in Virginia politics in order to promote clean and affordable energy. We are motivated by the core belief that our democracy should serve everyday Virginians over special interests.