Virginia § 56-265.4:7 - Discontinuing natural gas service; municipal corporation
Full text of Virginia Code of Virginia § 56-265.4:7 — Discontinuing natural gas service; municipal corporation, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 56-265.4:7. Discontinuing natural gas service; municipal corporation
A. No municipal corporation that provides natural gas service shall discontinue such service to any residential, commercial, or industrial customer prior to satisfying the following requirements:
1. Provide at least three years' notice, both by bill insert and by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the area in which the municipal corporation provides service, of the municipal corporation's intention to discontinue service;
2. For two years following the publication of notice required by subdivision 1, attempt to negotiate the sale of its system facilities and associated rights such that service to its customers remains uninterrupted; and
3. If such sale as described in subdivision 2 is not accomplished within two years following the publication of notice required by subdivision 1, the municipal corporation may offer its system facilities and associated rights by auction to the highest bidder.
B. A municipal corporation that is seeking to discontinue natural gas service shall advise its customers by bill insert of its progress in effecting a sale of its system facilities and associated rights at least once annually following the publication of the notice required by subdivision A 1. Copies of the initial publication of such notice and of all subsequent bill inserts relating to discontinuing service and sale of system facilities by a municipal corporation shall be provided to the Commission at the time they are made.
C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the rights of a municipal corporation that provides natural gas service from discontinuing service to a particular customer as the result of nonpayment of fees for services provided or any cause otherwise permitted by law or regulation.
2022, Sp. Sess. I, c. 17.
Source: official Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia § 56-265.4:7
What does Code of Virginia § 56-265.4:7 cover?
Section 56-265.4:7 ("Discontinuing natural gas service; municipal corporation") is part of the Code of Virginia, the codified statutory law of Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Virginia § 56-265.4:7?
A common citation format is "Code of Virginia § 56-265.4:7" (Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Virginia law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Virginia attorney.
How does Virginia § 56-265.4:7 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Virginia.