Old Dominion Comm. for Fair Util. Rates v. State Corp.

"Subject to such criteria and other requirements as may be prescribed by law, the [State Corporation] Commission shall have the power and be charged with the duty of regulating the rates, charges, and services and, except as may be otherwise authorized by the Constitution or by general law, the facilities of railroad, telephone, gas, and electric companies." Va. Const. art. IX, § 2.

This case boils down to a simple question: what does that sentence mean? The majority holds that it means the General Assembly may suspend the Commission's power and duty to set rates for electric companies. I…