Provide a Public Comment for the EIA's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

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Provide a Public Comment for the EIA's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) has announced that they are asking for public input on their new utility shutoff survey (see Federal Register Notice on form EIA-112). This proposed annual survey would collect 12 months of residential utility shutoff data from electric and gas service providers. This survey is important because it will:

Provide more transparency about the nature and scale of utility shutoffs
Shed light on the persistent race and class disparities of utility shutoffs
Contribute to data that can help to make utilities more affordable for all Virginians
Develop the first federal database tracking and publicizing utility shutoffs nationwide

As this initiative moves forward, it is important that the EIA hears from you and other utility justice advocates about how they can improve the survey.

We want to make sure that the survey includes:

Questions regarding resident data by zip code, county, or other comparable geographic metrics to shed light on the persistent race and class disparities of utility shutoffs
More data on customer debt to clarify the harmful impact of predatory credit and collection policies at the state and utility levels.

Now is the time make your voice heard and ensure that all Virginians have access to basic needs. We urge you to submit comments to the EIA by August 19. Feel free to use the pre-written letter and to add your own comments.

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Provide a Public Comment for the EIA's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

Inviting members to provide a comment on the Energy Information Administration's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

Subject: Supporting basic needs for all - Residential Utility Disconnections Survey Comments

Message:

As a resident of Virginia, I would like to comment in support of this survey initiative because it will provide much-needed data transparency about the scale and nature of utility shutoffs that impact residents all over Virginia. Nationally, there has been inconsistency in regulation and reporting of utility shutoffs due to non-payment. My hope is that this survey will help to standardize the data that is provided. There are, however, other items that must be addressed in order to ensure energy justice for all. One issue I hope that the survey will shed light on is the inequities embedded in a racist energy system. Systemic racism in public energy is tied to the legacy of redlining and other discriminatory practices. Because of this, I am asking that the survey ask respondents to aggregate their data by zip code, county, or other comparable geographic metrics to shed light on the persistent race and class disparities of utility shutoffs. Additionally, I ask that the utility debt data will be used to help to make energy more affordable for all Virginians. The pandemic called increased attention to the issue of energy affordability, during which many families were tragically required to decide between feeding their families and paying energy bills. Even after the pandemic, this crisis persists as profit-driven utilities prioritize their bottom line over ensuring access to a public good. No one should have to forego basic needs to keep the lights on. Thus, the survey should also include more data on customer debt to clarify the harmful impact of predatory credit and collection policies at the state and utility levels. For the sake of my community, I am asking that these crucial items be addressed in the Residential Utility Disconnections Survey. Thank you for your consideration.

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Provide a Public Comment for the EIA's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

Provide a Public Comment for the EIA's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

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Provide a Public Comment for the EIA's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

Provide a Public Comment for the EIA's Residential Utility Shutoff Survey

Thank you for wanting to take action!

Unfortunately, we are only providing comments to the EIA from Virginia residents.

Support Virginia Organizing and donate here today!

Thank You - Your comments have been submitted!

Other ways to help!

Thank you for wanting to
take action!