Virginia SCC - Participating in SCC Cases

Participating in SCC Cases

Most hearings are held in a courtroom in the SCC's downtown Richmond office. However, the SCC may schedule hearings around the state to provide greater access to those most interested in a particular case. SCC hearings are always conducted in a professional manner, and follow courtroom procedures and protocol.

Public Participation

The SCC encourages public participation in all cases. Because of its wide-ranging regulatory authority, SCC decisions impact residents across of the Commonwealth. All hearings are conducted by the Commissioners or a hearing examiner and are always transcribed by a court reporter. Before a hearing, you may call either the bailiff in the Clerk's Office at (804) 371-9739 or the SCC at (804) 371-9141 to be sure the case is proceeding as scheduled.

Written Comments

Public testimony, in the form of written comments, is welcome. Such comments are subject to a submission deadline, usually a week in advance of a scheduled hearing.

When an order inviting public input is issued, the Commission accepts electronic filing of comments from the public through an online form on the website. Such comments must refer to the proper case number. This is the only acceptable method for electronic submission of public comments on cases before the Commission.

Written comments for cases before the Commission - whether notice is provided for electronic filing or not - may be delivered by U.S. mail. All comments must include a reference to the applicable case number and be sent to:

Clerk of the State Corporation Commission
c/o Document Control Center - Case Number XXX-XXXX-XXXXX
P.O. Box 2118
Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118

Participating as a Public Witness

Appearing as a public witness in cases before the Commission requires no pre-filing of comments. For convenience, we provide options for both in-person and remote participation. Remember, oral testimony is NOT necessary if you choose to submit written comments on a case; your comments are processed and included in the file for the specific case. 

Appearing in Person

To testify in person, you need only arrive early (at least 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start) and notify the SCC bailiff that you want to testify. For hearings held in an SCC courtroom, witnesses will be subjected to prescreening security procedures. Please review the SCC Visitor Security Guidelines for more information.

Testifying by Telephone

If you cannot physically attend a hearing, we offer the option to testify by telephone. This requires advance registration by completing an online Public Witness Appearance Form to include the SCC case number along with your contact information. The SCC will call remote participants (in the order forms were received) from a dedicated telephone number (displayed on the registration form). Again, you do not have to orally "present" comments already submitted for them to be considered in a case.

All public witnesses take an oath to affirm that all testimony is truthful. Review our public witness tips for more information.

Time Limits

The SCC may set time limits for public witnesses. Comments should be concise, on point, non repetitive, and courteous of others waiting to speak. If you have prepared statements, several copies would be helpful and can be handed to the bailiff. Additionally, you may be asked questions by the Commissioners, the hearing examiner, or participating attorneys. 

Courtroom Equipment

The SCC provides audio and video capabilities for hearings within its courtrooms. If you are participating in an SCC hearing as an involved party, company, witness or legal counsel, you may plan presentation of information accordingly. Please review Courtroom Equipment Capabilities.

Transition to Evidentiary Hearing

Once all public witnesses have been heard, the hearing becomes an evidentiary proceeding. During this phase, case participants (usually represented by legal counsel) present expert testimony, offer supporting exhibits, raise objections, file briefs, and present legal arguments. Public witnesses may observe but may not otherwise participate in this phase of an SCC proceeding.

Docket Search

You may access current case information through the Commission's online Docket Search feature. To obtain official copies of documents, contact the Document Control Center of the Clerk's Office at (804-371-9838) where you may order documents for a fee. You may also visit the SCC to review documents on site. The SCC is located at 1300 E. Main St., Richmond, Virginia 23219.

Webcasting

Cases in which there is wide public interest are broadcast over the Internet via a Commission webcast. A list of cases scheduled for webcast, along with information on how to listen is available.