Customers who heat with Columbia Gas of Virginia will soon pay more each month.
The temporary rate increase will add $10.81 to the typical residential bill, and the company is pursuing an additional increase.
Here's what to know
According to Cardinal News, the base-rate increase will take effect Oct. 12 and will raise the monthly bill for a typical residential customer by 11.1%.
Regulators are reviewing the application Columbia Gas filed with the State Corporation Commission in May, so the higher charge is being put in place on an interim basis.
Public comments are due by Dec. 8, and the SCC has scheduled a Dec. 15 hearing on the case. If the commission approves a smaller increase, Columbia Gas would have to refund customers the difference with interest, per Cardinal News.
The company defined an average residential customer as using 5.1 dekatherms of gas a month. Their monthly bill would climb from roughly $97 to about $111 if regulators also approve a separate $3.03, or 3%, increase the utility wants to begin in October 2027.
Homeowners who want to shield themselves from rate hikes and lock in monthly bills can consider electrification. Even if financing is required for solar power, the cost is predetermined and mostly untouchable by utility companies.
Going solar is one of the best ways to save money on home energy over time. Homeowners who want to explore that option can use EnergySage to get free solar installation estimates and compare quotes.
Save $10,000 on solar panels without even sharing your phone number Want to go solar but not sure who to trust? EnergySage has your back with free and transparent quotes from fully vetted providers that can help you save as much as $10k on installation. To get started, just answer a few questions about your home — no phone number required. Within a day or two, EnergySage will email you the best local options for your needs, and their expert advisers can help you compare quotes and pick a winner. |
More background
According to Cardinal News, the increase affects base rates, not the commodity cost of gas; those charges account for about 60% of a customer's bill. State law requires Columbia Gas to pass gas costs directly to customers without any markup, so the change targets base rates.
Columbia Gas expects the proposed two-part increase to bring in $78.9 million for upgrades such as customer communication software, advanced meters, safer pipes, and other system improvements, Cardinal News reported.
The company's previous rate case was decided in May 2025, when regulators approved an increase that added about $6 to the average residential bill.
What can be done?
For homeowners able to consider upgrades, EnergySage can be especially useful. With EnergySage's help, the average person can save up to $10,000 on a solar purchase and installation. Tools such as EnergySage's solar map show the average cost of a home solar panel system by state along with solar incentives available in each state, helping homeowners get the best price for rooftop solar panels and access available incentives.
More From EnergySage
💡Go deep on the latest news and trends shaping the residential solar landscape
Adding battery storage to a solar setup is also one of the best ways to protect your home during outages, save money on energy, and go off-grid. Homeowners who want to compare options can explore EnergySage for information about home battery storage, including competitive installation estimates.
Columbia Gas said the new rates will "allow for the company's continued improvements to its natural gas distribution system; to continue to provide safe, reliable, and high-quality service to its customers; and to accommodate the sustained demand for natural gas in the areas Columbia Gas serves," per Cardinal News.
Where can I learn more?
Utility bills are rising across Virginia, and the energy debate is shaping what customers pay.
• In Central Virginia, utility hikes hit homes as Dominion and local water rates climbed.
• Dominion customers in Virginia faced an $8 monthly fuel charge plus years of bond interest.
• In Hopewell and Prince George, Virginia American sought a 30% water bill increase.
Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.
