The Joint Subcommittee Studying the Feasibility of Lifeline Utility Rates was established pursuant to House Joint Resolution No. 277 of the 1979 General Assembly.

Delegate Robert C. Scott of Newport News was elected Chairman of the subcommittee. Other members of the House of Delegates appointed to serve were Gerald L Baliles of Richmond; Glenn B. McClanan of Virginia Beach; Lewis W. Parker, Jr., of South Hill; and W. Ward Teel of Christiansburg.

Senator Edward M. Holland of Arlington was elected Vice-Chairman of the subcommittee. Other Senate members appointed to serve were Virgil H. Goode, Jr., of Rocky Mount; Madison E. Marye of Shawsville; and John H. Chichester of Fredericksburg. C. William Cramme, III, and Hugh P. Fisher, III, of the Division of Legislative Services served as legal and research staff for the subcommittee. Barbara H. Hanback of the House Clerk's Office provided administrative and clerical staff assistance for the study group.