State lawmakers hoping to reform the way utilities work in Virginia suffered a defeat in the General Assembly this week, but they’re hoping for success next week when a package of bills will come up for consideration. Sandy Hausman has that story.
There are 60 public utilities in Virginia – monopoly companies regulated by the state, and many make campaign contributions to lawmakers. Critics say that’s a conflict of interest, but this week a Senate Committee voted not to ban those donations. Among those opposing the bill, Lynchburg-area Republican Mark Peake.