Dominion Energy Bills Outpacing Inflation, Report Finds

Policy changes could lower costs for Virginia customers, advocacy group says

Mar. 30, 2026 at 9:37pm

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A minimalist composition of overlapping triangles and rectangles in shades of blue, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the complex economic factors driving up electricity bills and the need for policy changes to address this issue.Geometric shapes and colors illustrate the rising costs of electricity and the call for policy reforms to provide relief for Virginia ratepayers.Charlottesville Today

A new report from the advocacy group Clean Virginia claims Dominion Energy customers across Virginia are paying significantly more for electricity, with bills rising faster than the rate of inflation. The report argues that factors like utility regulations, rising fuel and infrastructure expenses, and growing demand from data centers are driving up costs for residential customers.

Why it matters

As energy costs continue to climb, the findings in this report raise concerns about the affordability of electricity for Virginia residents, especially lower-income households. The report suggests policy changes could help alleviate the burden on consumers.

The details

According to the Clean Virginia report, Dominion Energy customer bills have risen from around $90 to $150 over the past 15 years, outpacing the rate of inflation. The group says this is not solely due to increased energy usage, but also how Virginia's electric system is structured, including regulations that incentivize utility spending and the growing energy demands of data centers.

  • The Clean Virginia report was released on March 30, 2026.

The players

Clean Virginia

A nonprofit advocacy group that focuses on energy policy and consumer protection in Virginia.

Dominion Energy

A major electric utility company that provides power to customers across Virginia.

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What they’re saying

“Your bill is rising faster than inflation, quite a bit faster than inflation. So, in the last 15 years, bills went out from $90 to $150. Everyone feels that.”

— Brennan Gilmore, Executive Director, Clean Virginia

What’s next

The report outlines several policy recommendations that would require action from lawmakers in Richmond, including tighter oversight of utility profits, expanding energy-efficiency programs, and adjusting how costs are distributed so large energy users like data centers cover a greater share.

The takeaway

This report highlights the growing burden of rising electricity costs on Virginia residents, particularly as inflation outpaces the increases in Dominion Energy bills. Addressing the structural issues in the state's electric system through policy changes could help provide relief to consumers.