Bedford Electric Customers Shocked by Steep Bill Increases

Director cites cold weather, grid costs, and supply chain issues as factors behind the spike

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Bedford, Virginia electric customers have been hit with drastically higher bills this month, with some reporting increases of up to $200. Customers are frustrated by the lack of notice and transparency around the reasons for the spike. The director of Bedford Electric Services attributes the increases to a combination of cold weather, higher grid costs, and general supply chain cost increases, as well as a 15% rate hike approved by the town council in October.

Why it matters

The sudden and significant rise in electric bills is causing financial hardship for many Bedford families, especially those on fixed or limited incomes. The lack of advance notice and communication from the utility has exacerbated the problem, leaving customers uncertain about what to expect going forward.

The details

Bedford Electric Services director John Wagner said the town council approved a 15% rate increase that took effect in October, but the utility had been absorbing those higher costs until now. The combination of the rate hike, increased grid fees, and supply chain issues, coupled with the impact of colder winter weather, has resulted in the dramatic spike in customer bills this month. Wagner said if temperatures moderate next month, bills should not be as high.

  • The Bedford town council voted for a 15% rate increase that took effect in October 2025.
  • Customers are seeing the impact of the rate hike and other cost increases reflected in their February 2026 electric bills.

The players

John Wagner

Director of Bedford Electric Services, the municipal utility provider for the town of Bedford, Virginia.

Jessica Hubbard

A Bedford Electric customer who reported her bill increasing by nearly $200 this month.

Kristin Dolce

A Bedford Electric customer who questioned where families are supposed to find the extra money to pay the higher bills.

Eric Sims

A Bedford Electric customer who said many people in the community are frustrated by the drastic bill increases.

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What they’re saying

“We just want the transparency of why it's going up, why we weren't notified.”

— Jessica Hubbard, Bedford Electric customer (WSET)

“Where do they think people are going to get this from?”

— Kristin Dolce, Bedford Electric customer (WSET)

“It is devastating to the family because, like I said, we have three kids. It's cold outside. We can't be without heat.”

— Kristin Dolce, Bedford Electric customer (WSET)

What’s next

Wagner said the utility will work on better communicating with customers about what they can expect going forward. He also encouraged anyone struggling to pay their bills to contact the utility office to set up a payment plan.

The takeaway

This situation highlights the financial strain that unexpected utility cost increases can place on families, especially during the winter months when electricity usage is high. It underscores the need for utilities to provide ample advance notice and transparency around rate hikes, as well as flexible payment options to help customers manage the impact.