What Dominion Energy is and where it operates

Dominion Energy is a for-profit utility company that supplies electricity and natural gas to roughly 7 million customers across the eastern United States. The company operates in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and a smaller service area in West Virginia and Ohio. If you live in one of these states, Dominion may be your only choice for electric service — most utility companies operate as regional monopolies, meaning you cannot switch providers based on price or preference.

Dominion is regulated by state public utility commissions in each state where it operates. Those commissions set the rates Dominion can charge, review rate increases, and handle consumer complaints. If you have a dispute with Dominion that you cannot resolve directly with the company, your state's public utility commission is the body that can investigate.

Key Takeaways

  • Dominion Energy serves parts of Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, and Ohio, and you cannot choose a different electric provider in most of its service areas.
  • Your bill includes the cost of electricity used, delivery charges, taxes, and sometimes seasonal adjustments — the electricity cost and delivery charge are separate line items.
  • If you cannot pay your bill, Dominion must follow state-specific rules about notice periods and shutoff procedures before disconnecting your service.
  • Most states where Dominion operates have low-income bill information programs, and Dominion itself offers payment plans and hardship programs that vary by state.
  • Your state's public utility commission handles complaints about billing errors, service problems, or disconnection disputes that Dominion will not resolve.

How to read a Dominion Energy bill

A Dominion bill breaks down into several parts. The usage charge is what you pay for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) you actually used — this is the number on your meter multiplied by Dominion's per-kWh rate. The delivery charge is a separate fee for maintaining the poles, wires, and infrastructure that bring electricity to your home; this charge exists even if you use no electricity. Both rates are set by your state's public utility commission and appear on your bill as cents per kWh or as a fixed monthly amount.

Below those line items, your bill shows taxes (state and local sales tax on the electricity and delivery charges), any seasonal adjustments (some states allow Dominion to charge more in summer or winter to smooth out costs), and credits for any payments you made since the last bill. At the bottom is the amount due and the due date — typically 20 to 30 days from the bill date.

If you use significantly more electricity than usual, your bill will be higher, but the per-unit rate stays the same. If you see a sudden spike, check whether you were billed for two months instead of one, or whether Dominion used an estimate instead of an actual meter reading. You can request an actual reading if you believe the estimate is wrong.

Payment options and how to set up automatic pay

Dominion accepts payments online through its website, by phone, by mail, and in person at authorized payment locations (which vary by state). Online and phone payments are processed when ready and do not cost extra. Mail payments take 7 to 10 days to reach Dominion and should be sent to the address on your bill.

You can set up automatic payments (also called autopay) through Dominion's website or by phone. Autopay deducts your bill from a bank account or credit card on a date you choose — usually around your due date. This prevents accidental late payments and late fees. You can change or cancel autopay at any time through your account.

If you are having trouble paying, contact Dominion before your bill is overdue. The company offers budget billing in most states, which averages your annual electricity costs and spreads them evenly across 12 months. This makes your bill more predictable but does not reduce the total you pay over a year. Dominion also offers payment plans for past-due balances, allowing you to pay arrears over several months instead of in one lump sum.

What happens if you cannot pay and how shutoff protection works

If your bill becomes overdue, Dominion will send you a notice. The timing and content of that notice are set by your state's rules. In Virginia, for example, Dominion must give you at least 10 days' notice before shutting off service, and the notice must explain how to contact the company to arrange a payment plan. In North Carolina, the notice period is longer. You should read any notice carefully and note the important date.

Before Dominion can shut off your service, you have the right to request a payment plan or to dispute the bill if you believe it is wrong. If you are experiencing hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or other crisis — tell Dominion. Many states require utilities to offer hardship programs that pause or reduce shutoff risk while you work out a payment arrangement. These programs are not automatic; you must ask for them.

Some states also protect certain households from winter shutoffs. Virginia, for example, prohibits Dominion from disconnecting residential customers for non-payment between November 15 and March 15 if the customer is making good-faith payments toward arrears. North Carolina has similar protections. Check your state's rules to see whether you are protected during cold months.

Low-income bill information and state programs

Most states where Dominion operates have Low Income Home Energy information Program (LIHEAP) funds, which pay utility bills for households below a certain income threshold. LIHEAP is a federal program administered by each state, and the income limits, benefit amounts, and process process vary by state. In Virginia, LIHEAP is run by the Department of Social Services; in North Carolina, by the Department of Health and Human Services. You can find your state's LIHEAP office through the National Energy information Referral (NEAR) hotline at 1-866-674-6327, or by searching "[your state] LIHEAP" online.

Dominion itself also offers bill information programs that vary by state. Some are funded by Dominion's shareholders, others by ratepayer contributions (a small charge on all bills). These programs typically cover a portion of your bill if you meet income requirements. You can ask Dominion directly about programs available in your state, or contact your state's public utility commission for a list.

Community action agencies in your area may also have emergency utility information funds. You can find your local agency through the Community Action Partnership website or by calling 211 (a referral line that connects you to local services).

Billing disputes and how to file a complaint

If you believe your Dominion bill is wrong — because of an incorrect meter reading, a calculation error, or a charge you do not recognize — contact Dominion's customer service first. Explain the problem clearly and ask for a written response. Dominion has 30 days to investigate and respond. If the company finds an error, it will issue a credit; if it disagrees, it must explain why in writing.

If you are not satisfied with Dominion's response, you can file a complaint with your state's public utility commission. Each state has its own commission with a different name: the State Corporation Commission in Virginia, the Utilities Commission in North Carolina, and so on. Most commissions allow you to file complaints online or by mail at no cost. The commission will investigate and can order Dominion to correct the error or issue a refund. Filing a complaint does not stop Dominion from shutting off service for non-payment, but it does create a record if the dispute is about whether you owe the money at all.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dominion shut off my electricity in winter?

It depends on your state. Virginia and North Carolina both prohibit winter shutoffs for residential customers who are making good-faith payments toward arrears, but the exact dates and rules differ. Check your state's public utility commission website or call Dominion to confirm the rules in your area. Even where winter protection exists, it usually requires you to be actively paying something toward your bill.

What is the difference between my usage charge and delivery charge?

The usage charge is what you pay for the electricity you consumed, measured in kilowatt-hours. The delivery charge is what you pay for Dominion to maintain the wires, poles, and equipment that bring that electricity to your home. Both are set by your state's public utility commission. You pay both charges every month, even if you use very little electricity.

How do I know if Dominion estimated my meter reading instead of reading it in person?

Your bill will say "estimated" or "actual" next to the meter reading. If it says estimated and you believe the estimate is wrong, you can request an actual reading by contacting Dominion. The company will send someone to read your meter, usually within a few days. If the actual reading is lower than the estimate, you will receive a credit on your next bill.

What should I do if I get a shutoff notice?

Contact Dominion when ready — do not wait until the important date. Explain your situation and ask about payment plans, budget billing, or hardship programs. If Dominion will not work with you, contact your state's public utility commission or a local community action agency. Having a plan in place before the shutoff date gives you more options than waiting until the last day.

Does Dominion offer a discount for low-income customers?

Dominion does not automatically discount rates for low-income households, but it does offer bill information programs and payment plans. The availability and amount of information vary by state. Contact Dominion directly or your state's public utility commission to learn what programs exist in your service area and whether you meet the income requirements.