New report says Dominion Energy bills rising faster than inflation, policy changes could lower costs

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (WVIR) -A new report from Clean Virginia claims Dominion Energy customers across Virginia are paying significantly more for electricity — and says changes at the state level could help lower those costs.

The report, released Monday, March 30, argues rising bills are not just the result of increased energy use, but how Virginia’s electric system is structured.

According to the findings, factors driving higher costs include regulations the group says incentivize utility spending, along with rising fuel and infrastructure expenses. The report also points to growing demand from data centers, which it argues is shifting more of the financial burden onto residential customers.

“Your bill is rising faster than inflation, quite a bit faster than inflation,” said Brennan Gilmore, executive director of Clean Virginia. “So, in the last 15 years, bills went out from $90 to $150. Everyone feels that.”

The report outlines several policy recommendations aimed at reducing costs. Those include 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.

Clean Virginia says those changes would require action from lawmakers in Richmond.

You can read the full report here.

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