State Operation of Public Utilities This is the 2026 edition of the code. This is the current edition. It was last updated Aug 02, 2026. Browse all editions.
This is Chapter 17 of the Code of Virginia, titled “State Operation of Public Utilities.” It is part of Title 56 “Public Service Companies”. It contains 20 laws.
It’s comprised of the following 20 sections.
§ 56-509 Uninterrupted functioning and operation of essential public utilities
§ 56-510 Duty of Governor when there is threat of curtailment, interruption, etc., of operation
§ 56-511 Power of Governor to possess and operate utility
§ 56-512 Employment of utility employees by Commonwealth; information to be furnished
§ 56-513 Replacement of utility employees unwilling to work for Commonwealth
§ 56-514 Status as employee of utility unaffected by acceptance or refusal of employment by Commonwealth
§ 56-515 Entry upon property of utility after proclamation of intention to take possession
§ 56-516 When possession of utility to be delivered; procedure upon refusal of possession
§ 56-517 Interference with or obstruction of Governor, state representative or agent
§ 56-518 Expense of operation, etc.; payment of revenues, etc., into state treasury
§ 56-519 Previously established salaries, wages, conditions of employment, etc., to be observed; collective bargaining
§ 56-520 Collection and disposition of revenues accruing from utility
§ 56-521 Restoring possession to utility
§ 56-522 Compensation to utility
§ 56-523 Definitions
§ 56-524 Penalties
§ 56-525 Injunction against violation of chapter
§ 56-526 Duty of Commonwealth's attorneys and Attorney General; employment of special counsel
§ 56-527 Chapter not applicable to certain carriers
§ 56-528 Governor's powers as commander in chief not impaired