Comments Document

Chair Byron and members for the committee, thank you for allowing me the opportunity to speak to you today in support of House Bill 1783. My name is Kevin Doyle, and I am the Vice President of State Affairs for Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA). Consumer Energy Alliance (CEA) is a leading voice for sensible energy and environmental policies for consumers, bringing together families, farmers, small businesses, distributors, producers and manufacturers to support America’s environmentally sustainable energy future. With members nationwide and our Board Chair in Virginia, we are committed to leading the nation’s dialogue around energy, the environment, energy’s critical role in the economy, and how it supports the vital supply chains for families and businesses that depend on them. CEA applauds Delegates O’Quinn and Byron for sponsoring this important legislation that will protect Virginia’s families and small businesses from actions that could prohibit the use and availability of reliable, safe and clean fuels like natural gas and propane in our homes or communities. Bans on energy choices and options would be devastating to families, business and industries that rely on natural gas for electricity, manufacturing and heating. Energy service bans could lead to serious and significant service interruptions. They could also require the replacement of major appliances and significant unplanned remodeling expenses, which could cost Virginia’s families and businesses billions of dollars – a burden that would be ruinous for those living at or below the poverty level. Last August, CEA released a report detailing the real world impacts a natural gas ban would have on consumers and households on a fixed budget. It found that a natural gas ban could cost a household in the Richmond area over $26,000 from “forced electrification” with heat pump installations, wiring upgrades, appliance replacement and permitting or duct work depending on how dependent a home was on the fuel. CEA thanks all members of the General Assembly who support efforts to ensure affordable and reliable energy access for all Virginians. We urge you to support this common-sense legislation that protects consumers, families, and businesses across the Commonwealth. CEA works daily to encourage communities across the nation to seek sensible, realistic, and environmentally responsible solutions to meet our nation’s energy needs. By advocating for energy justice and sensible energy solutions, we hope to ensure that people who need affordable energy the most can have access to it. CEA works to help provide an understanding of what policies mean and what they could do to energy prices, availability and environmental impacts. As an organization that advocates for all types of energy resources across the country, CEA continues to stand by its commitment to ensuring families – especially low-income individuals, those on fixed incomes or living paycheck-to-paycheck – and businesses trying to meet budgets and payrolls can access the energy they need. Thank you again for allowing me to be here today.