56-250 - Commission may authorize action by public utility in time of emergency or shortage; plans. - Virginia Statutes

§ 56-250. Commission may authorize action by public utility in time ofemergency or shortage; plans.

(1) Whenever it shall appear by satisfactory evidence that any public utilityfurnishing in this State power, heat, light or water cannot supply all of itscustomers the usual requirements of each by reason of strikes, accidents,want of fuel, or for any other reason, the Commission may authorize suchpublic utility to take such action as, in the opinion of the Commission, willminimize adverse impact on the public health and safety and facilitaterestoration of normal service to all customers at the earliest timepracticable.

(2) To facilitate implementation of this section, the Commission may requireany such public utility to file, as a part of the rules and regulationsreferred to in § 56-236, its plan for curtailment of service in such acondition of emergency or shortage. Such plans shall be considered and shalltake effect in the manner provided in this chapter for the schedules of ratesand charges and rules and regulations of public utilities.

(1920, p. 232; Michie Code 1942, § 4072a; 1974, c. 478; 1975, c. 358.)