Is Dominion Energy Virginia cheaper than Appalachian Power Co?

Yes — in 2024 Dominion Energy Virginia customers averaged 14.09 cents/kWh versus 17.02 for Appalachian Power Co (EIA-861). Dominion Energy Virginia was cheaper by 2.92 cents, about $316 per year at 10,800 kWh.

Can I switch from Appalachian Power Co to Dominion Energy Virginia?

No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Virginia has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.

Why is Appalachian Power Co more expensive than Dominion Energy Virginia?

EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Appalachian Power and Dominion territory all feed the 2.92-cent gap.

Dominion Energy Virginia vs Appalachian Power Co: Which Is Cheaper? (Virginia, 2024)

Dominion Energy Virginia customers paid less: an average 14.09¢/kWh in 2024 versus 17.02¢/kWh at Appalachian Power Co (EIA-861) — a gap of 2.92¢/kWh, worth about $316 per year at typical usage (10,800 kWh/yr). Their territories meet in 15 VA counties (Albemarle, Amherst, Appomattox, …). You cannot switch wires companies — the territory is set by your address.

Side by side (VA, EIA-861)

Dominion Energy Virginia vs Appalachian Power Co — residential averages from federal EIA-861 filings
Metric	Dominion Energy Virginia	Appalachian Power Co
2024 average price, ¢/kWh	14.09	17.02
2023 average price, ¢/kWh	13.92	15.88
Annual cost at 10,800 kWh, $/yr	$1,522	$1,838
Residential customers (2024)	2,383,548	465,283
Ownership	Investor-owned	Investor-owned
Counties served in VA	104	34

Average price = residential revenue ÷ sales (bundled service): the all-in price customers actually paid, including supply, delivery and riders. Profiles: Dominion Energy Virginia · Appalachian Power Co · Virginia overview.

Where the territories meet

Both utilities file EIA-861 service territory in: Albemarle · Amherst · Appomattox · Bedford · Botetourt · Buchanan · Buckingham · Campbell · Carroll · Fluvanna · Franklin · Henry · Nelson · Pittsylvania · Tazewell counties (VA, 2024).

Adjoining or overlapping territory in a county does not mean households there can pick between the two — service maps are parcel-level and fixed. The county overlap mainly matters when choosing where to live or comparing town-level costs.

Can you actually choose between them?

No — not for delivery. Distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; Dominion Energy Virginia and Appalachian Power Co do not compete for the same meters. Virginia is a regulated retail market — there is no residential supplier shopping; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings (scc.virginia.gov). The price gap above mainly matters when choosing where to live, comparing towns, or benchmarking your bill.

Questions people ask

Is Dominion Energy Virginia cheaper than Appalachian Power Co?: Yes — in 2024 Dominion Energy Virginia customers averaged 14.09 cents/kWh versus 17.02 for Appalachian Power Co (EIA-861). Dominion Energy Virginia was cheaper by 2.92 cents, about $316 per year at 10,800 kWh.
Can I switch from Appalachian Power Co to Dominion Energy Virginia?: No — distribution territories are exclusive and set by address; you cannot pick between the two wires companies. Virginia has no residential supplier shopping either; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings.
Why is Appalachian Power Co more expensive than Dominion Energy Virginia?: EIA-861 averages reflect everything customers actually paid — supply costs, delivery rates, riders, and surcharges across each territory. Differences in generation mix, grid investment, storm costs, and customer density between Appalachian Power and Dominion territory all feed the 2.92-cent gap.

About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861) and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff, usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr (US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.