Electricity Rates in Virginia (2026)
National average: 17.98¢/kWh · Source: EIA, April 2026
Dominion Energy Controls Most of Virginia's Electricity Market
Dominion Energy Virginia serves about two-thirds of the state's residents, with Appalachian Power (AEP) covering most of the western portion. At 15.34 cents/kWh, Virginia sits slightly below the national average. Dominion's generation mix includes nuclear (Surry and North Anna stations), natural gas, and rapidly growing solar and offshore wind capacity.
Virginia Is Pursuing Ambitious Clean Energy Goals
The Virginia Clean Economy Act (2020) requires Dominion Energy to achieve 100% clean energy by 2045. This is driving massive investment in solar farms, offshore wind (the 2.6 GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project), and battery storage. These investments will likely push rates upward in the near term, but Dominion has committed to minimizing the impact on residential customers. Virginia's rates may rise 10-20% over the next decade as the clean energy transition progresses.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in Virginia
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in Virginia
Monthly costs at 15.87¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $128.55 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $380.88 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $137.12 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $114.26 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $23.81 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $64.27 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $76.18 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $133.31 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $11.9 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $8.57 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $1.29 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $4.28 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $57.13 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $57.13 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $42.85 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in Virginia
- Dominion Energy offers time-of-use rates and smart thermostat rebates. Check their website for current programs.
- Northern Virginia has higher housing costs but the same electricity rate as the rest of the Dominion service territory. Energy efficiency improvements have the same payback regardless of home price.
- Virginia's climate is moderate enough for heat pumps to work efficiently year-round, including in the Blue Ridge region. Electric resistance heating should be a last resort.
- If you are in Dominion territory, check eligibility for the Green Energy Program to support Virginia solar and wind development.
Electricity Rates by City in Virginia
The state average of 15.87¢/kWh hides significant variation between utilities. Here's what residents actually pay in major Virginia cities:
Fredericksburg
14.89¢/kWh
Rappahannock Electric Coop
Manassas
11.57¢/kWh
Northern Virginia Elec Coop
Richmond
14.09¢/kWh
Virginia Electric & Power Co
Roanoke
17.02¢/kWh
Appalachian Power Co
Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Electricity
The average Virginia household pays about $130-$160 per month. Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads tend to have higher consumption due to both summer cooling and winter heating. The Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge areas may have higher winter heating costs due to colder temperatures.
Yes, gradually. The Virginia Clean Economy Act is driving significant investment in offshore wind, solar, and battery storage. These capital costs will be recovered through rates over decades. Dominion has projected residential rate increases of 2-4% per year through 2035. Even with these increases, Virginia rates should remain near or below the national average.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how Virginia compares to other states in the Southeast region:
Alabama
16.06¢/kWh
Florida
15.92¢/kWh
Georgia
14.46¢/kWh
Kentucky
14.27¢/kWh
Mississippi
14.24¢/kWh
North Carolina
13.68¢/kWh
South Carolina
15.41¢/kWh
Tennessee
13.10¢/kWh
West Virginia
14.77¢/kWh
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated April 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.