Public hearings on Dominion Energy’s rate hike request to begin next month

By Submitted Story on August 31, 2026

The North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) will hold a series of public hearings starting in late September on Dominion Energy’s request for a rate hike for customers in the state. The Outer Banks Voice – Dominion Energy seeks rate hike for NC customers 

Back on May 1, Dominion Energy announced it had filed a rate proposal with the NCUC that it said could result in an average $17 monthly increase for residential customers, if approved.

A Dominion Energy spokesperson noted that the company provides electric service to approximately 129,000 customers in northeastern North Carolina, including Roanoke Rapids, Ahoskie, Williamston, Elizabeth City, and the Outer Banks. Their service area in the state covers about 2,600 square miles and 21 counties.

Here is the schedule for the public hearings. They all begin at 7 p.m.

• Sept. 28 at the Halifax County Courthouse in Halifax
• Oct. 13 at the Dare County Commissioners meeting room in Manteo
• Oct. 14 at the Martin County Courthouse in Williamston
• In addition, there will be remote meeting on WebEx on Oct. 5. A link to view the WebEx hearing will be available at North Carolina Utilities Commission. Members of the community who wish to testify at the virtual hearing have a Sept. deadline 25 to register.

According to the information from Dominion Energy, it is seeking a total increase of $37 million, which if approved, means that a residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt hours per month would see a monthly bill of $151.48—an increase of just under 13%.

Dominion Energy says the increase would support investments in its nuclear fleet; investments in its fossil fleets; investments in renewable energy; and investments to expand and strengthen its transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Earlier this month, Dominion Energy announced it had also filed a request with the NCUC seeking approval to update fuel costs for customers in northeastern North Carolina. The Outer Banks Voice – Dominion Energy seeks increase for fuel costs that could add $23 dollars to monthly bill. The NCUC will decide how to handle public input for that separate fuel request.