In July 2026, homes in Virginia paid an average of 17.55¢ per kWh, the 20th most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 4.2% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is up 11.2% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average home in Virginia used 1,051 kWh a month, for an average bill of $173 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in Virginia
Natural gas and nuclear power generate most of Virginia's electricity, and the state imports a large share of what it uses over the regional grid. Fast-growing demand from data centers is a major factor in Virginia's power planning.
- natural gas 57%
- nuclear 27%
- solar 9%
- coal 3%
- biomass 3%
- other 1%
The Virginia State Corporation Commission is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in Virginia.
What drives electricity prices in Virginia
Virginia is home to the largest concentration of data centers in the world, most of them in Northern Virginia, and their growth is reshaping the state's power system. Dominion Energy, which serves most homes, is building new power plants and lines to keep up, and regulators created a separate rate class for the largest users in 2025 to help keep those costs from falling on households.
Natural gas and nuclear power make most of the state's electricity, and Virginia buys a large share of what it uses from the PJM regional grid. The Virginia Clean Economy Act of 2020 requires Dominion to reach carbon-free power by 2045 and Appalachian Power, in the southwest, by 2050.
Home prices are still below the national average. Electric cooperatives serve many rural households. Retail choice is limited to large customers and some renewable-energy purchases, so nearly all homes buy from their utility at rates set by the State Corporation Commission.
Average electric bill in Virginia
Over the last 12 months the average Virginia home paid $173 a month for electricity, the 8th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $228 for 1,299 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in Virginia used the most electricity in January, when electric heating drives usage up: an average of 1,509 kWh and a $240 bill. The lightest month was April, at 748 kWh and $130.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 17.55¢ | $87.75 | $1,053 |
| 1,000 kWh × 17.55¢typical | $175.50 | $2,106 |
| 1,500 kWh × 17.55¢ | $263.25 | $3,159 |
| 2,000 kWh × 17.55¢ | $351.00 | $4,212 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in Virginia by month
Businesses in Virginia paid 11.68¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 15th cheapest for business power), and industrial users paid 10.07¢.
Electric companies in Virginia
19 utilities deliver electricity to homes in Virginia. The largest is Virginia Electric & Power Co, serving 2,408,901 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Electric & Power Co | 2,408,901 | 15.20¢ |
| Appalachian Power Co | 467,581 | 17.16¢ |
| Rappahannock Electric Coop | 172,883 | 15.49¢ |
| Northern Virginia Elec Coop | 169,027 | 12.60¢ |
| Shenandoah Valley Elec Coop | 86,656 | 14.49¢ |
| Southside Electric Coop, Inc | 57,305 | 15.48¢ |
| City of Danville | 38,226 | 15.81¢ |
| Central Virginia Electric Coop | 35,353 | 16.16¢ |
| A & N Electric Coop | 33,035 | 14.40¢ |
| Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative | 30,077 | 14.32¢ |
"Avg. home rate" is what each utility's full-service residential customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold). Delivery-only utilities have no full-service rate.
Can you choose your electricity supplier in Virginia?
Only in limited cases. Limited to large customers and some renewable-energy purchases. Most households buy electricity from their local utility.
Virginia compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 13.71¢ | $162 |
| Kentucky | 13.81¢ | $154 |
| North Carolina | 15.16¢ | $152 |
| West Virginia | 15.78¢ | $163 |
| Virginia | 17.55¢ | $173 |
| Maryland | 21.41¢ | $209 |
| District of Columbia | 25.21¢ | $153 |
Virginia electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in Virginia?
The average home in Virginia paid $173 a month over the last 12 months, using 1,051 kWh. That is the 8th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $228.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in Virginia?
Homes paid an average of 17.55¢ per kWh in July 2026, 4.2% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 11.68¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in Virginia?
January, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $240 (1,509 kWh), compared with $130 in April, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in Virginia?
Only in limited cases. Limited to large customers and some renewable-energy purchases. Most households buy electricity from their local utility.
What are the largest electric companies in Virginia?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Virginia Electric & Power Co (2,408,901), Appalachian Power Co (467,581), Rappahannock Electric Coop (172,883).
Latest VA electric rates, bills and usage: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities and suppliers: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.