"The State Corporation Commission is vested with regulatory authority over many business and economic interests in Virginia. These interests are as varied as the SCC's powers, which are delineated by the state constitution and state law. Its authority ranges from setting rates charged by large investor-owned utilities to serving as the central filing agency for corporations in Virginia.

Initially established to oversee the railroad and telephone and telegraph industries in Virginia, the SCC's jurisdiction now includes many businesses which directly impact Virginia consumers. The SCC's authority encompasses utilities, insurance, state-chartered financial institutions, securities, retail franchising, and railroads. It is the state's central filing office for corporations, limited partnerships, limited liability companies and Uniform Commercial Code liens.

The SCC's structure is unique in that it is organized as a separate department of government with delegated administrative, legislative, and judicial powers. SCC decisions can only be appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court."