TLN-11-4-20

L

EGACY

For breaking news, visit our website: legacynewspaper.com

Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

WEDNESDAYS • Nov. 4, 2020

Richmond & Hampton Roads

LEGACYNEWSPAPER.COM • FREE

‘Through the roof’ prescription drug prices hit communities of color the hardest Since his family was upper middle class, he acknowledged they had no problem paying for prescription medication. But given his father’s legacy and his own community service through his profession and dedication to help people in need, he is known for being on the cutting edge of the struggle to establish health equity. That includes exploring ways to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to all.

“The pricing has gone through the roof,” he said in an interview.

“I mean, insulin - a month’s supply for some people - is $600. “That’s $7,200 a year. “Even the generic pricing has gone up,” he points out.

“That has become worse because so many of the drugs are imported.

Seventy-five percent of the drugs in the United States have an ingredient that’s made in China, India or Germany.”

Edloe explained that “Because there's no control over pricing in the United States, they can basically charge what they want to; whereas in other countries, the government decides.”

HAZEL TRICE EDNEY TEWire – Seventy-threeyear-old Leonard L. Edloe, a pharmacist of 50 years and pastor of a predominately Black church in Middlesex County, Va., knows the personal and professional sides of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes well. He also knows the astronomical costs of prescription medications and the related financial struggles.

His father—also named Leonard L. Edloe—opened the first of their four family-owned pharmacies in 1948. But he was only 65 when he came home from work one day, sat down, had a sandwich and a beer and then died of a massive heart attack. It was a major emotional blow to lose his father and mentor that way. But then Edloe’s sister died at 60 and his brother at 54 both of heart attacks.

“I had to get out,” he said sternly, reflecting on his now determined self-care through exercise and healthy eating. “I’m 73 now.”

For decades, Edloe has been a prominent household family name in Richmond, Va. where his father’s first pharmacy was established.

Leonard L. Edloe

(continued on page 2)

For the latest election results, visit legacynewspaper.com

The LEGACY

2 • Nov. 4, 2020

(from page 1) As a former long-time member of Medicaid HMO Virginia Premier Health Plan’s board – Edloe pointed out that the drug used to treat Hepatitis C costs $1,000 a pill. But in Egypt, it is $1 a pill.

Edloe has expressed these concerns vehemently over the years in various leadership roles, including as chair of the Virginia Heart Association for the Mid-Atlantic Region; president of the American Pharmacists Association Foundation, and board member of the Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems Authority.

“My blood pressure medicine for myself has tripled in price. I was paying $15 for three months. Now it’s $45,” he said. "Fortunately, that’s with my insurance.”

For people who lack health insurance, medicine for hypertension can cost upwards of $300-$600 a year, which, can be difficult to manage financially along with paying for other medications and bills. “So, it’s real serious,” Edloe concluded.

Community health workers and researchers around the country have long recognized the increasing costs of prescription drugs and the difficult choices some people must make to afford them.

An article in Harvard Medical School’s Harvard Health Publishing, titled, “Millions of Adults Skip Medications Due to Their High Costs” highlights findings from a national survey conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics: Eight percent of adult Americans don’t take their medicines as prescribed because they can not afford them.

Among adults under 65, sixpercent who had private insurance still skipped medicines to save money. 10 percent of people who rely on Medicaid skipped their medicines.

Of those who are not insured, 14 percent skipped their medications because of cost.

Among the nation’s poorest adults— those with incomes well below the federal poverty level — nearly 14 percent “did not take medications as prescribed to save money.”

Those statistics get even worse when exploring prescription drug affordability in the Black community. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, a division of

Ruth Perot the National Institute of Health, “Elderly black Medicare beneficiaries are more than twice as likely as white beneficiaries to not have supplemental insurance and to not fill prescriptions because they cannot afford them.”

Likewise, an AARP survey of 1,218 AfricanAmerican voters last year found more than three in five (62 percent) said “prices of prescription drugs are unreasonable” and nearly half (46 percent) said they did not fill a prescription provided by their doctor, mainly because of cost.

The inability to pay for prescription drugs – even for those under the age of 65 - has significantly impacted Blacks, Latinos and other people of color due to economic disparities.

“Though the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reduced the number of uninsured Americans, over 28 million remain without insurance,” says PublicHealthPost.org. “More than half (55 percent) of uninsured Americans under the age of 65 are people of color. For those with no insurance, paying retail prices for medications is often financially impossible.”

This is no secret to those who have been working in the trenches on critical health care issues daily for years.

Ruth Perot, executive director and CEO of

the Summit Health Institute for Research and Education, Inc. (SHIRE), serves the 92 percent Black and largely low-income families of Washington, D.C.’s 6th, 7th and 8th Wards. She has been working on grassroots health equity isuses in communities of color for more than 23 years.

“I am certainly aware of the extent to which folks have to, of course make that choice between the cost of a prescription and the other commitments that they have, whether it’s rent or whether it’s food on the table or something related to the education for their children,” Perot said. “The cost of prescription drugs has always been out of control. It’s been a major profit-motive driven industry. That’s been true for some time. And so, whatever we see at the national level from a policy perspective still hasn’t addressed the fundamental issue that the drug prescriptions cost too much…I don’t think the federal government has ever used its power as the principle buyer of drugs to get those prices down. So, it’s been a persistent problem for many, many, many years if not decades.”

Edloe, having owned pharmacies in predominately Black communities, vehemently agrees. In addition to his medical career, he also interfaces with the community as pastor of the New Hope Fellowship Church in Hartfield, Va. As he personally works to avoid his family’s history with heart disease, he passes along health lessons to his congregation, and is intimately familiar with their struggles to pay for prescription drugs. Currently working with two groups involving health disparities and pharmaceuticals, he says he believes the answer to achieve equity will ultimately be “some form of universal health care.”

But, there must also be a culture change, he said. “Because a lot of health care providers still are not trained and the materials are still not designed for diverse communities. So it’s all about getting equity – not equality – but equity in health care. Because there’s a big difference. If everybody stands beside the fence and the fence is six feet and you’re 6 feet 5 inches tall, you can see over it, but other people can’t. Equity means you might have to give them a stool to see.”

This article is part of a series on the impact of high prescription drug costs on consumers made possible through the 2020 West Health and Families USA Media Fellowship.

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

Nov. 4, 2020 • 3

Thousands of Virginia prisoners could be released early under new earned sentence credit program State prison officials estimate that more than 14,000 inmates in Virginia could see their release dates moved up under legislation awaiting Gov. Ralph Northam’s signature.

proposals.”

The final bill lawmakers sent to Northam sets a flat rate of 15 days off for every 30 days served, which would reduce a 10-year sentence to a little over six and a half years. Under current law,

inmates can earn a maximum of 4.5 days off for every 30 days served — a credit that will still be available to inmates excluded from the new program.

It also includes a delayed enactment date of

(continued on page 5)

Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study Accomack and Northampton Counties Public Notice of Virtual Public Informational Presentation October 27 to November 11, 2020 Virtual materials available at Virginiadot.org/EasternShoreTrail Sen. Jennifer Boysko The bill, backed by General Assembly Democrats and unanimously opposed

by GOP lawmakers, would let inmates cut their sentences by a third as long as they weren’t convicted of certain violent offenses, follow prison rules and participate in counseling and education programs.

Supporters framed the legislation as an important reform that will encourage inmates to better themselves behind bars, though the measure’s sponsors expressed disappointment the original proposal was significantly narrowed as it made its way through the General Assembly in order to win support from more conservative members of the Democratic caucus.

“It’s a step in the right direction,” said Sen. Jennifer Boysko, D-Fairfax, who carried the Senate’s version of the legislation. “I had hoped that it would be a little more generous in giving people the opportunity for a second chance but some of my colleagues in the House were not as comfortable with some of the Senate

Background: The former Bay Coast Railroad offers 49.1 miles of primarily flat straight terrain that presents an opportunity for a shared use path connecting communities, businesses, and State/Federal parks throughout Northampton and Accomack Counties. The Eastern Shore Rail to Trail Study seeks to assess the feasibility of converting the abandoned railroad into a shared use path. The railroad corridor runs mostly parallel to US Route 13 on the Eastern Shore and travels through the Towns of Hallwood, Bloxom, Parksley, Onley, Melfa, Keller, and Painter in Accomack County and the Towns of Exmore, Nassawadox, Eastville, Cheriton, and Cape Charles in Northampton County.

About the Study: The study explores the opportunity to reduce interaction between vehicles, pedestrians and bicyclists on US Route 13 with the development and construction of a shared use path, to improve pedestrian and cyclist mobility, accessibility, and safety. Shared use paths are separate and dedicated areas removed from motorist traffic, supporting multiple recreation and transportation modes including walking, bicycling and others.

The study area extends approximately 50 miles between the Town of Cape Charles and the Town of Hallwood.

While the shared use path alignment will largely follow the abandoned railroad track alignment, the study will also identify potential connections into Town and County destinations in the vicinity of the railroad alignment.

Learn More: The study team has received a great deal of public input related to this study. This virtual presentation will include a summary of the public input along with the final alignment concept and related feasibility study information. In addition, the virtual presentation area includes a Frequently Asked Questions document, typical cross-sections, road crossings and an online comment form for submitting public feedback.

VDOT is inviting the public to learn about the study and its progress by accessing the virtual presentation and study materials located at Virginiadot.org/EasternShoreTrail. A transcript and alternate recording of the virtual presentation is available online in Spanish and Haitian Creole.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT’s Civil Rights Division at 757-956-3000 or TTY/TDD 711.

Virtual presentation materials and additional study information located at https://www.virginiadot.org/EasternShoreTrail

4 • Nov. 4, 2020

Op/Ed & Letters

The LEGACY

Nomad Notebooks launches new product What pairs well with coffee?

Ben Scott and LaMar Smith, the creative behind Nomad Notebooks, think the newest iteration of their popular paper product fits the bill.

And they launched it on September.

“Coffee and sketching go hand in hand,” Scott said. “People drink coffee and brainstorm ideas all the time. Plus we’re both huge coffee drinkers, so we really wanted to create notebooks that were themed around coffee.”

While all Nomad Notebooks feature paper in different textures and colors to inspire creativity, the coffee-themed “Nomad Blend” notebooks include new details like a mocha-scented cover, cupping charts and “tasting notes” pages.

“We’re always trying to push creativity forward,” Smith said.

“We’re always trying to do something different. We go very far into the details of the design. We try to think of all the little things.”

The “Nomad Blend” notebooks will retail in packs of three for $12.99 and will be shipped in coffee-themed packaging.

Scott and Smith take pre-orders for packs bundled with other accessories, including bags of coffee from Blanchard’s Coffee Roasting Co. in Richmond.

The LEGACY NEWSPAPER Vol. 6 No. 45 Mailing Address P.O. Box 12474 Richmond, VA 23241 Office Address 105 1/2 E. Clay St. Richmond, VA 23219 Call: 804-644-1550 Online www.legacynewspaper.com

Blanchard’s owner Stephen T. Robertson is enjoying the partnership with Nomad Notebooks.

“We are always flattered when people like our coffee enough to want to pair it with their own products in some way,” Robertson said. “The folks at Nomad have been great to work with, and it is super cool to see another Virginia company making great products.

We’re honored to be a part of their promotion.”

Nomad Notebooks has built a loyal following of artists and designers, but the small business’ ongoing challenge is mass marketing an “analog” product in the digital age.

“People spend so much time on screens, they’re also looking for those escapes to get off of the screen,” Scott said. “People still hike. People still travel. They’re out taking photographs. The art culture is still alive and well, so people are still using pens and pencils, but I think there is definitely a niche of sketch artists and hand-letterers who are into the notebooks.”

Nomad Notebooks was founded in 2016 by Ben Scott and LaMar. For more information, visit nomadnotebooks.com The LEGACY welcomes all signed letters and all respectful opinions.

Letter writers and columnists opinions are their own and endorsements of their views by The LEGACY should be inferred. The LEGACY assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Annual Subscription Rates Virginia - $50 Other states - $75 Outside U.S.- $100 The Virginia Legacy © 2020

Another life lost George Floyd. Breonna Taylor.

Rayshard Brooks. Tony McDade.

And now, Walter Wallace Jr. They are among the Black Americans – people with lives and loves, families and futures – who were murdered by police. This is state-sanctioned violence and it has to stop. This country will not tolerate police murders of people of color, day after day after day.

America’s moms mourn the death of Walter Wallace Jr. Our hearts are with Cathy Wallace, Walter’s mom, who tried valiantly and desperately to save her son’s life as police pulled their guns and shot her son not once, not twice, but ten times. No mother should lose a loved one to those charged with our protection. No one should lose his life because police responded with lethal violence to a mental health crisis.

The BREATHE Act would ensure our political leaders invest in our communities through education, housing, health care, and mental

health services, and address the needs of people living in low-income communities. This federal bill divests resources from incarceration and policing; builds new approaches to community safety; invests resources to build equitable communities for all; enhances the self-determination of all Black and POC communities; and allocates funds to build healthy, sustainable, and equitable communities.

At a time when COVID-19 is devastating Black and Brown communities, when our schools cannot function normally, when armed white supremacists with guns are marching on state capitols and intimidating voters, we need to shift priorities and re-allocate resources. Moms demand full accountability for the murder of Walter Wallace Jr., and investments in health, education and community supports. We will not rest until we have a country in which we can all be safe and thrive.

Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner CEO of MomsRising

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

Nov. 4, 2020• 5

P.T. Hoffsteader, Esq.

Prisoners released (from page 3) January 2022 to give the Department of Corrections time to reprogram its computer system.

As initially proposed by Boysko and Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, the bill would have excluded inmates convicted of a handful of serious violent offenses including first- and second-degree murder, kidnapping, robbery and rape.

That list was expanded considerably during the legislative process to include most violent criminal acts. It also excludes people convicted of a second felony offense of animal fighting, acts of violence by mob, burglary, possession of child pornography, cross burning and others.

The restrictions narrowed the number of prisoners who would currently qualify for the credits from 32,000 to 14,693, of which DOC says 1,380 would be eligible for immediate release because the bill requires the credits to be applied retroactively, according to impact statements prepared by the state.

Sexual assault and rape victims were especially vocal in their advocacy against the bill, arguing no sex offenders should be able to earn sentence credits under the program — a request lawmakers accepted with the exception of excluding people found with child pornography only after a second offense.

On the other side of the debate, criminal justice reform groups had urged lawmakers not to exclude any inmates based on the crimes they committed, arguing most will eventually be released with or without the program and that it is in the state’s interest to encourage them to

participate in prison educational and counseling programs.

“I don’t know how much it’s going to do to reduce Virginia’s overall prison population the way it’s written with all the exclusions,” said Gin Carter, who founded the Humanization Project, which is dedicated to telling prisoners’ personal stories. “We’re bummed it didn’t include everyone, but as far as Virginia goes, this is a huge step.”

Republican lawmakers unanimously opposed the bill, arguing it would gut the truth in sentencing laws Virginia established when the state abolished parole in 1994. The lower level of credits currently available to inmates is working fine, they said, citing statistics that show inmates released from Virginia prisons have among the lowest recidivism rates in the country.

They also questioned why some crimes didn’t make the list of exclusions, like involuntary manslaughter, a common charge in DUI fatalities.

“Truth in sentencing has been a success by any metric,” Del. Les Adams, R-Pittsylvania, argued on the House floor. “It’s been good for victims of crimes and it’s been good for our society.”

The bill’s patrons countered that Virginia’s current earned sentence credit program is meager compared to states like Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi and South Carolina, which offer earned sentence credits up to 50 percent. “There are some very, very, very conservative states that already do this,” Scott said.

But the legislation also made some Democrats uneasy. Boysko and Scott both scaled their drafts back before they were heard in committee to include more exclusions, saying that while they didn’t agree with the changes they viewed them

as necessary to win support.

House lawmakers were especially squeamish.

When the measure came up for its first committee hearing, Del. Jennifer Carroll Foy, D-Prince William, declined to vote altogether.

Other members of the party said they were voting on the legislation, but only with the expectation that it would be amended as it continues through the legislative process, including Del. Rip Sullivan, D-Fairfax, who worried the bill might be “overly generous.”

In the end, Boysko said she agreed to the longer list of exclusions favored by lawmakers in the House because it was the only way to get the bill to the governor.

Lawmakers in the House also insisted on limiting a related proposal to expand Virginia’s compassionate release policy for terminally ill inmates, which are among the most restrictive in the country. The legislation would allow inmates with 12 or fewer months left to live to petition the parole board for release, but includes similar restrictions added to the earned sentence credit legislation. As a result, DOC estimates that out of an average of 16 terminally ill inmates in their care every year, about six would be expected to qualify.

Some Senate lawmakers voiced frustration at the added limitations, noting that a less restrictive version of the bill had passed their chamber under Republican control in 2019 with broad bipartisan support.

“We have compromised because that gets us at least some progress,” Boysko said as the legislative session concluded. “But this is definitely the first prison reform in, I believe, 25 years, so it’s pretty exciting that we are making this step.”

6 • Nov. 4, 2020

Richmond, VA 23219 804-644-1550 (office) • 800-783-8062 (fax) ads@legacynewspaper.com

Classifieds

The LEGACY

Ad Size 3.4 inches - 1 column(s) X 1.7 inches)

AUCTIONS, LEGAL, EMPLOYMENT, FOR SALE, SERVICES

1 Issue - $37.40

Rate: $11 per column inch

Includes Internet placement

Thank you for your interest in applying for opportunities with The City of Richmond.

To see what opportunities are available, please refer to our website at www.richmondgov.com.

EOE M/F/D/V AUCTIONS Online Real Estate Auction: Commercial Opportunity in the City of Buena Vista, Virginia. 10 properties, located on Magnolia Avenue or Forest Avenue, most are eligible for New Market Tax Credits and Historic Tax Credits. Bidding opens November 1 and closes November 17, 1 PM. If you need bidding assistance, representatives will be available November 17 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the House Mountain Inn, 455 Lonesome Dove Trail, Lexington, VA 24450. You may preview the properties on November 1 and 6 from Noon to 3 PM at “Ramsey”, 2076 Magnolia Ave location. 5% Buyer’s Premium. For more information, contact Reaves Ward, REALTOR at 540-597-4607 or visit woltz.com. Woltz & Associates, Inc. Real Estate Brokers & Auctioneers (VA #321) 800-551-3588.

Please review the proof, make any needed changes and return by fax or e-mail.

If your response is not received by deadline, your ad may not be inserted.

Ok X_________________________________________ Ok with changes X _____________________________ REMINDER: Deadline is Fridays @ 5 p.m.

DENTAL INSURANCE Call Physicians Mutual Insurance Company for details. NOT just a discount plan, REAL coverage for 350 procedures Call: 855-709-6890 or www.dental50plus.com/28

ATTN. AUCTIONEERS: Advertise your upcoming auctions statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions reaching your target audiences. Call this paper or Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net HOME IMPROVEMENT Vinyl Replacement Windows Starting at $235* Installed w/Free Trim Wrap Call 804-739-8207 Siding, Roofing, Gutters and More!

GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-877-636-0738 Special financing for qualified customers.

ATTN. CONTRACTORS: Advertise your business statewide and in other states. Affordable Print and Digital Solutions to reach Homeowners. Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-5217576, landonc@vpa.net REAL ESTATE ATTN. REALTORS: Advertise your listings regionally or statewide.

Affordable Print and Digital Solutions that get results! Call Landon Clark at Virginia Press Services 804-521-7576, landonc@vpa.net SERVICES DIVORCE-Uncontested, $395+$86 court cost. WILLS $195.00. No court appearance. Estimated completion time twenty-one days. Hilton Oliver, Attorney (Facebook). 757-490-0126. Se Habla Espanol. BBB Member. https://hiltonoliverattorneyva.com.

WANTED TO BUY FREON WANTED: We pay $$$ for cylinders and cans. R12 R500 R11 R113 R114.Convenient. Certified Professionals. Call 312-313-9671 or visit RefrigerantFinders.com

CU00012453- Procurement 1103 HAMPTON SOLICITATION CITY OF HAMPTON Tuesday, December 1, 2020 10:00 a.m. ET – ITB 21-18/TM

Paint & Supplies

For all forms or additional information, see our web page at https://www.hampton.gov/bids-contracts or call (757)727-2200.

Minority-Owned, Woman-Owned and Veteran Businesses are encouraged to participate.

Pleas If you

Nov. 4, 2020• 7

www.LEGACYnewspaper.com

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC OF A PETITION BY VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY, FOR APPROVAL OF BROADBAND CAPACITY PILOT PROJECTS PURSUANT TO § 56-585.1:9 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA, AND FOR APPROVAL OF A RATE ADJUSTMENT CLAUSE, DESIGNATED RIDER RBB, UNDER § 56-585.1 A 6 OF THE CODE OF VIRGINIA CASE NO. PUR-2020-00197 On October 1, 2020, Virginia Electric and Power Company (“Dominion” or “Company”) filed a petition (“Petition”) with the State Corporation Commission (“Commission”) pursuant to § 56-585.1:9 of the Code of Virginia (“Code”) and Code § 56-585.1 A 6 for (i) approval of pilot programs to make available and provide broadband capacity to unserved areas in Surry County, Botetourt County, and the Northern Neck region of Virginia (“Surry Pilot,” “Botetourt Pilot,” and “Northern Neck Pilot” respectively, and collectively the “Pilot Projects”); and (ii) establishment of a rate adjustment clause (“RAC”) for the Surry Pilot and Botetourt Pilot, designated Rider RBB, for the rate year commencing August 1, 2021, through July 31, 2022 (“Rate Year”). The Company asserts that it will partner with RURALBAND, BARC Connects, and All Points Broadband (collectively, “ISPs”) to extend broadband capacity in unserved areas. Pursuant to Code § 56-585.1:9 I, the Company requests that the term of the Pilot Projects be extended three years beyond the three-year minimum provided in the Code, for a total of six years.

Description of the Pilot Projects: Surry Pilot Through the Surry Pilot, the Company would provide broadband capacity to RURALBAND in unserved areas of Surry County, Virginia. The Company proposes to install 144-strand All-Dielectric Self-Supporting (“ADSS”) fiber for approximately 26.7 miles along the trunk line or the Company’s main distribution line and 72-strand ADSS fiber for approximately 16.5 miles on the lateral lines or the Company’s distribution tap lines. RURALBAND expects to lease 24 fiber strands so that it can deliver high-speed Internet access to the residences and businesses in Surry County. The total estimated capital costs are approximately $3.6 million for the estimated 43.2 route miles of middle mile fiber for the Surry Pilot, of which approximately $2.5 million is considered incremental and included in the RAC calculation.

Botetourt Pilot Through the Botetourt Pilot, the Company would provide broadband capacity to BARC Connects in unserved areas of Botetourt County, Virginia. Dominion plans to install 144-count ADSS fiber along the trunk line for approximately 18.5 miles and 72-count ADSS fiber along the lateral lines for 15.8 miles. BARC Connects’ fiber design and engineering firm is still in the process of completing the final design, which will dictate the number of fiber strands needed to provide last mile service. The fiber strands will be leased by buffer tube in multiples of twelve so that BARC Connects can deliver high-speed Internet access to residences and businesses.

The estimated capital costs are approximately $3.5 million for the estimated 34.3 route miles of middle mile fiber in the Botetourt Pilot, of which approximately $2.6 million is considered incremental and included in the RAC calculation.

Northern Neck Pilot Dominion, All Points Broadband, and Northern Neck Electric Cooperative have developed a framework where All Points Broadband would lease fiber from the Company in Stafford, King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Northumberland Counties. All Points Broadband would be responsible for building the last mile of fiber in Stafford, King George, Westmoreland, Richmond, and Northumberland Counties for both Dominion Energy Virginia and Northern Neck Electric Cooperative customers.

Dominion would install 144-count ADSS fiber along the trunk lines for approximately 116.6 miles and 72-count ADSS fiber along the lateral lines for approximately 100.6 miles throughout the Northern Neck region. The Petition states that final design has not been completed for the Northern Neck Pilot. Dominion has identified a route across five counties in the Northern Neck region totaling approximately 217 miles. Based on the Company’s previous experience and the designs of the two other Pilot Projects, the Company anticipates average capital costs of $100,000 per mile. The Company estimates capital costs in the range of $21 million for the Northern Neck Pilot. Dominion does not seek recovery of the incremental costs associated with the Northern Neck Pilot and is only seeking a prudency determination at this time.

In this proceeding, Dominion has also asked the Commission to approve Rider RBB for the Rate Year. The Company states that it will use the lease revenues from the ISPs to offset Pilot Projects costs. For the Rate Year, the Company requests recovery of a total revenue requirement of $1.2 million, which includes a Projected Cost Recovery Factor only. The Company states it is utilizing a rate of return on common equity of 9.2% in this proceeding consistent with the Commission’s Final Order in Case No. PUR 2019-00050.

According to the Petition, implementation of the proposed Rider RBB on August 1, 2021, will increase the residential customer’s monthly bill, based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, by $0.03.

A more complete description of the Pilot Projects may be found in the Company’s Petition. An electronic copy of the Company’s Petition may be viewed on the Commission’s website or may be obtained by submitting a request to counsel for the Company: Audrey T. Bauhan, Esquire, Dominion Energy Services, Inc.,120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Audrey.t.bauhan@dominionenergy.com.

The Commission entered an Order for Notice and Hearing that, among other things, scheduled a public hearing on February 16, 2021, at 10 a.m., to receive the testimony of public witnesses and the evidence of the Company, any respondents, and Staff. Further details on the hearing will be provided by subsequent Commission Order or Hearing Examiner’s Ruling.

The Commission has taken judicial notice of the ongoing public health emergency related to the spread of the coronavirus, or COVID-19, and the declarations of emergency issued at both the state and federal levels. In accordance therewith, all pleadings, briefs, or other documents required to be served in this matter should be submitted electronically to the extent authorized by 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice and Procedure (“Rules of Practice”). Confidential and Extraordinarily Sensitive information shall not be submitted electronically and should comply with 5 VAC 5-20-170, Confidential information, of the Rules of Practice. For the duration of the COVID-19 emergency, any person seeking to hand deliver and physically file or submit any pleading or other document shall contact the Clerk’s Office Document Control Center at (804) 3719838 to arrange the delivery.

Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-140, Filing and service, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, the Commission has directed that service on parties and the Commission’s Staff in this matter shall be accomplished by electronic means. Please refer to the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing for further instructions concerning Confidential or Extraordinarily Sensitive Information.

On or before January 25, 2021, any interested person may file comments on the Petition by following the instructions on the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/casecomments/Submit-Public-Comments or by filing such comments with the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, c/o Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118. Compact discs or any other form of electronic storage medium may not be filed with the comments. All such comments shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00197.

On or before December 14, 2020, any interested person or entity may participate as a respondent by filing, with the Clerk of the Commission at the address above or scc.virginia.gov/ clk/efiling/, a notice of participation in accordance with the Commission’s Rules of Practice. Notices of participation shall include the email addresses of the party or its counsel.

The respondent simultaneously shall serve a copy of the notice of participation on counsel to the Company. Pursuant to 5 VAC 5-20-80 B, Participation as a respondent, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice, any notice of participation shall set forth: (i) a precise statement of the interest of the respondent; (ii) a statement of the specific action sought to the extent then known; and (iii) the factual and legal basis for the action. Any organization, corporation, or government body participating as a respondent must be represented by counsel as required by 5 VAC 5-20-30, Counsel, of the Rules of Practice. All filings shall refer to Case No. PUR-2020-00197. For additional information about participation as a respondent, any person or entity should obtain a copy of the Commission’s Order for Notice and Comment.

Any documents filed in paper form with the Office of the Clerk of the Commission in this docket may use both sides of the paper. In all other respects, except as modified by the Commission’s Order for Notice and Comment, all filings shall comply fully with the requirements of 5 VAC 5-20-150, Copies and format, of the Commission’s Rules of Practice.

The Company’s Petition, the Commission’s Rules of Practice, and the Commission’s Order for Notice and Hearing may be viewed at the Commission’s website: scc.virginia.gov/pages/Case-Information.

VIRGINIA ELECTRIC AND POWER COMPANY d/b/a DOMINION ENERGY VIRGINIA