Richmond Power Bills Soar After Rate Hike and Deep Freeze

Dominion Energy customers face double-digit increases due to base rate increase and record-setting cold snap.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Dominion Energy customers in Richmond, Virginia are seeing their power bills skyrocket due to a combination of a recently approved base rate increase and an extraordinarily cold January that set new energy demand records for the utility. Some residents are reporting their latest bills are nearly double their normal amounts.

Why it matters

The sharp rise in power bills is causing financial strain for many Richmond residents, with some taking to social media to express their frustration over the unexpected increases. The situation highlights the impact that utility rate hikes and extreme weather can have on household budgets.

The details

Dominion Energy received approval last year from the State Corporation Commission to increase its base rate for 2.5 million Virginia customers. This resulted in a monthly increase of around $11.24 for the "typical residential customer." However, Dominion says multiple factors go into determining a customer's base rate, including usage, time of year, and rate class. The unusually cold January, which Dominion says included 8 of the 10 highest energy demand days in its history, has further driven up bills as customers used significantly more electricity to heat their homes.

  • Last year, the State Corporation Commission approved Dominion Energy's request to increase the company's base rate for its Virginia customers.
  • This January was the longest sustained period of cold weather in Dominion's territory since the 1940s.

The players

Dominion Energy

An electric and natural gas utility company that serves 2.5 million customers in Virginia.

State Corporation Commission

The regulatory body in Virginia that approved Dominion Energy's request to increase its base rate.

Craig Carper

A spokesperson for Dominion Energy.

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What they’re saying

“We know it's hard and people are feeling the pinch. We're all feeling it.”

— Craig Carper, Dominion Energy Spokesperson (Axios)

“My No. 1 tip is to turn your thermostat down two degrees below your comfort level — and wear a sweater.”

— Craig Carper, Dominion Energy Spokesperson (Axios)

What’s next

Dominion Energy is encouraging customers who are struggling to pay their bills to take advantage of its EnergyShare assistance program or consider a budget billing option.

The takeaway

This situation underscores the financial strain that can be placed on households when utility rates rise and extreme weather drives up energy usage and costs. It highlights the need for affordable and reliable energy solutions, as well as assistance programs to help vulnerable customers during times of crisis.