§ 56-592.1. Consumer education program; scope and funding.
A. The Commission shall establish and implement a consumer education program in conjunction with the implementation of this chapter. In establishing such a program, the Commission shall take into account findings and recommendations in the Commission’s December 1, 1999 report to the Legislative Transition Task Force made pursuant to § 56-592.
B. The program shall be designed to (i) enable consumers to make rational and informed choices about energy providers in a competitive retail market, (ii) help consumers reduce transaction costs in selecting energy suppliers, and (iii) foster compliance with the consumer protection provisions of this chapter, and those contained in other laws of this Commonwealth, by all participants in a competitive retail market.
C. The Commission shall regularly consult with representatives of consumer organizations, community-based groups, state agencies, incumbent utilities, competitive suppliers and other interested parties throughout the program’s implementation and operation.
D. Pursuant to the provisions of § 56-595, the Commission shall provide periodic updates to the Legislative Transition Task Force concerning the program’s implementation and operation.
E. The Commission shall fund the establishment and operation of such consumer education program through the special regulatory revenue tax currently authorized under § 58.1-2660, and the special regulatory tax authorized by Chapter 29 (§ 58.1-2900, et seq.) of Title 58.1.