Some US households could face much higher electricity bills over the next two decades as energy demand rises. One regulatory calculation suggests a typical monthly bill could eventually exceed $458, although the figure remains a projection rather than an approved rate increase.
Current Bills Could Rise Over The Next 20 Years
Dominion Energy estimates that a typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours a month currently pays around $180. Under the company’s preferred energy plan, the projected bill would reach about $258 a month in 2036 and $285 in 2046.
That would represent an increase of roughly 57% compared with today’s level.
Another Forecast Produces A Much Higher Figure
A separate calculation requested by state regulators produces a considerably higher projection. Under that methodology, the same household could face a monthly bill of more than $458 by 2046.
That would be more than 150% above the current average and would put annual electricity costs above $5,400. The two forecasts differ because they use different assumptions about future energy demand, generation and sales.
Dominion Questions The $458 Forecast
Dominion Energy has challenged the methodology behind the higher projection. The company argues that the calculation does not fully account for the additional electricity it expects to sell as demand grows.
Dominion said the methodology could result in overstated bill projections because it does not reflect anticipated growth in electricity sales over the period covered by each energy portfolio.
The company therefore considers its own preferred forecast a more appropriate representation of future costs.
Energy Demand Is Expected To Increase
The projections come as electricity demand is expected to rise over the coming years. Factors such as population growth, electrification and increasing electricity consumption could require additional generation capacity.
Dominion’s long-term planning therefore includes estimates of how much new electricity supply will be needed and how that could affect customer bills.
Previous Forecast Was Lower
Dominion’s latest figures are also higher than projections published in its 2025 Integrated Resource Plan update. At the time, the company estimated that a typical monthly residential bill under its preferred plan would reach around $255 in 2035 and $267 in 2045.
The newer forecast points to higher costs further into the future.
No Rate Increase Has Been Approved
The figures should not be confused with confirmed future electricity rates. The $258, $285 and $458 figures are projections, not approved increases for customers. Actual bills will depend on future energy demand, generation costs, regulatory decisions and the electricity rates ultimately approved by state authorities.
Dominion Energy is expected to publish its next full Integrated Resource Plan in October 2027, giving regulators and customers another opportunity to assess the company’s long-term outlook.
