On day one of proceedings, the SCC heard from members of the public, many of whom called in by phone to voice concerns that they simply can't afford higher bills.

Im already stretched thin as it is. Dominions proposed rate hike would be devastating for my monthly budget," said one Richmond man, who identified himself as a VCU student.

I don't know how I or my neighbors are going to afford these added costs," a customer in Dumfries said.

Callers described situations of living on fixed incomes while already grappling with escalating food and housing costs. Some stated that higher energy bills will lead to skipping out on other necessities such as meals.

When you're living this close to the edge, every price increase hurts. Dominion says they need to raise prices, but I think they need to

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