Old Dominion Power Seeks 23% Base Rate Hike

The utility's request to state regulators would add about $43 a month to local residential bills, according to the company's filing.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Utilities

Vector-style editorial illustration of a row of wooden utility poles carrying power lines across a green hillside under a pale sky. — Old Dominion Power asked Virginia regulators on Tuesday for a 23% base rate increase, adding about $43 a month to residential bills. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should regulators approve a 23% electric rate increase in your area?

Old Dominion Power has asked the State Corporation Commission for a 23% base rate increase, which would add an average of $43 a month to local residential bills. The request would be the company's second rate increase in 15 months.

Why it matters

Southwest Virginia residents would face higher monthly utility costs during a period of nationwide inflation, and state regulators will decide whether the increase is approved. Lawmakers have publicly opposed the request.

The proposed 23% base rate increase would add an average of $43 a month to residential bills, the second increase in 15 months. The final amount will depend on the State Corporation Commission's decision after public comment and a formal hearing.

The players

Old Dominion Power

Old Dominion Power is a Virginia electric utility whose request to the State Corporation Commission for a 23% base rate increase is the subject of this story.

State Corporation Commission

The State Corporation Commission is Virginia's state regulatory body that oversees utility rates and will decide whether to approve the proposed increase.

Israel O'Quinn

Israel O'Quinn is a Virginia state delegate who co-signed a letter with Terry Kilgore and Todd Pillion opposing the rate hike.

Terry Kilgore

Terry Kilgore is a Virginia state delegate who co-signed the letter to the State Corporation Commission opposing the rate hike.

Todd Pillion

Todd Pillion is a Virginia state senator who co-signed the letter to the State Corporation Commission opposing the rate hike.

The details

Old Dominion Power asked the State Corporation Commission for a base rate increase, and Southwest Virginia lawmakers Delegates Israel O'Quinn and Terry Kilgore and Senator Todd Pillion sent a letter opposing the hike. The lawmakers called the proposed increases absolutely untenable amid nationwide inflation, while the utility says higher rates are needed to upgrade systems and defend against severe storms.

November 5, 2026: Deadline for public comments to the State Corporation Commission.
November 12, 2026: Formal hearing on the proposed rate increase.

Market Landscape

This is the second base rate increase Old Dominion Power has requested in 15 months, placing the utility's frequency of rate cases under regulatory scrutiny. The State Corporation Commission's review will determine whether the company's stated needs for system upgrades and storm defense justify the added cost to customers.

If approved as requested, the 23% base rate increase would add an average of $43 a month to residential electric bills in the affected service area. Customers who want to influence the outcome can submit public comments to the State Corporation Commission before the November 5 deadline.

The takeaway

Residents facing a proposed rate increase have a defined window to weigh in before the State Corporation Commission decides the case. Monitoring the public comment deadline and the hearing date can help households anticipate and plan for possible changes to their monthly utility costs.

What happens next

The State Corporation Commission will accept public comments through November 5, 2026, and hold a formal hearing on the proposed rate increase on November 12, 2026.