Virginia Commercial Electricity & Natural Gas

Virginia Commercial Energy Market

Virginia commercial electricity averaged about 10.33¢/kWh in April 2026 (EIA) — below the U.S. average of 13.51¢ — while commercial natural gas averaged about $11.18 per Mcf. Virginia's competitive landscape is nuanced: natural gas choice is available through utility programs, while electricity retail choice is limited. Utilities Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power serve most electricity customers, and gas utilities include Washington Gas, Virginia Natural Gas, and Columbia Gas. Compare VA in our electricity rates by state and gas rates by state tables.

Virginia's Limited Electric Choice

Virginia electricity is largely regulated: most commercial customers are served by Dominion or Appalachian Power at regulated rates. Retail electric choice is limited to specific circumstances — very large loads, or customers seeking 100%-renewable supply where a competitive option exists. For most Virginia businesses, electricity savings come from rate-class optimization, efficiency, and demand management. See the Dominion Energy electricity choice guide and regulated-state energy procurement.

The Data Center Factor

Virginia — especially Northern Virginia — is the largest data center market in the world, and that concentrated demand is tightening the regional grid (Virginia sits in PJM) and putting upward pressure on costs and interconnection. See how AI data centers drive commercial electricity prices and the PJM capacity auction analysis.

How to Lower Your Virginia Energy Costs

• Shop gas supply competitively through utility choice programs. See the Dominion Energy gas choice guide and comparing gas offers.
• Optimize regulated electricity via rate class, efficiency, and peak management. Use the demand charge calculator and ten ways to reduce electricity costs.
• Lock gas before winter. See the Winter 2026-2027 outlook.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Virginia businesses choose their electricity supplier? Only in limited circumstances. Virginia electricity is largely regulated (Dominion, Appalachian Power); retail choice applies mainly to very large loads or specific renewable-supply options. Natural gas choice is more broadly available.

What is the average commercial electricity rate in Virginia? About 10.33¢/kWh (EIA, April 2026), below the U.S. average. Because most customers are regulated, savings come from rate-class optimization, efficiency, and demand-charge management.

How do data centers affect Virginia energy costs? Northern Virginia is the world's largest data center hub, and that demand is tightening the PJM grid — raising capacity and interconnection costs that can pressure commercial rates over time.

Get a free Virginia energy cost review. Contact us or call 833-264-7776.