‘I can’t afford what I pay now’: Dominion Energy customers face higher bills starting in January – WWBT

Report on Dominion Energy Rate Increases and Sustainable Development Goals

Overview of Rate Increases

Dominion Energy customers in Richmond, Virginia, will experience an average monthly bill increase of $11.24 starting January 2025, with an additional $2.36 increase planned for 2027. These rate hikes were approved by the State Corporation Commission in November 2024.

Rationale for Rate Adjustments

Craig Carper of Dominion Energy explained that the increases are necessary to address rising costs associated with delivering energy services to millions of customers. These costs include infrastructure components such as wires, utility poles, and transformers, which are essential to maintaining reliable electricity supply.

Customer Reactions and Concerns

• Customers have expressed frustration on social media regarding the increased bills.
• Some report that despite energy conservation efforts, their bills remain high, nearing $200 monthly.
• Concerns about affordability and fairness were voiced by several customers.
• One customer attributed rising costs to data center energy consumption.

Measures Addressing High-Usage Customers

In response to concerns about data centers contributing to rising costs, Dominion Energy has implemented policies to protect regular customers. A new rate class has been created specifically for high-usage customers such as data center companies. Key features include:

1. A mandatory 14-year commitment from data centers to pay for their requested power capacity, regardless of actual usage.
2. Ensuring that data centers pay their fair share of energy costs to prevent undue burden on residential and small business customers.

Customer Support and Energy Efficiency Programs

Dominion Energy is launching a new webpage to assist customers in managing and reducing their energy bills. The resources available include:

• Peak time rebate programs encouraging energy use during off-peak hours.
• Virtual energy audits to identify opportunities for energy savings.
• Bill assistance programs to support customers facing financial difficulties.

Craig Carper emphasized that customers have some control over their utility expenses through these tools and programs.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The actions taken by Dominion Energy align with several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including:

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – By creating targeted rate classes and offering energy-saving programs, Dominion Energy promotes affordable access to reliable energy while encouraging efficient consumption.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Investments in infrastructure such as wires and transformers support resilient energy systems.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Energy conservation initiatives and virtual audits foster responsible energy use among consumers.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – Bill assistance programs help vulnerable populations manage energy costs, contributing to poverty alleviation.

Additional Information

Customers interested in exploring Dominion Energy’s energy-saving tools and programs can visit the following link: Dominion Energy Save More Programs.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses energy bills, energy conservation methods, and programs to reduce energy costs, directly relating to ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy.
2. SDG 1: No Poverty
   • The concern about affordability of energy bills and bill assistance programs relates to reducing poverty and ensuring basic needs are met.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Energy conservation efforts and tools to reduce energy usage align with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Investment in infrastructure such as wires, utility poles, and transformers is mentioned, linking to building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7 Targets:
   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
2. SDG 1 Targets:
   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
3. SDG 12 Targets:
   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
   • Target 12.8: By 2030, ensure that people everywhere have the relevant information and awareness for sustainable development and lifestyles in harmony with nature.
4. SDG 9 Targets:
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators:
   • Indicator 7.1.1: Proportion of population with access to electricity (implied by discussion of service delivery to millions of customers).
   • Indicator 7.3.1: Energy intensity measured in terms of primary energy and GDP (implied through energy conservation and efficiency programs).
2. SDG 1 Indicators:
   • Indicator 1.2.1: Proportion of population living below the national poverty line (implied by customer affordability concerns and bill assistance programs).
3. SDG 12 Indicators:
   • Indicator 12.2.1: Material footprint, material footprint per capita, and material footprint per GDP (implied through energy conservation efforts).
   • Indicator 12.8.1: Extent to which sustainable development information is integrated into education and awareness-raising (implied by customer education tools and programs).
4. SDG 9 Indicators:
   • Indicator 9.1.1: Proportion of the rural population who live within 2 km of an all-season road (infrastructure quality implied by investments in utility infrastructure).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: 12onyourside.com