How Appalachian Power compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Appalachian Power, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | 13,633 | -6.03 | -$651 |
| Powell Valley Electric Coop | 11.42 | 6,589 | -5.60 | -$605 |
| Shenandoah Valley Elec Coop | 13.81 | 85,281 | -3.21 | -$346 |
| Dominion Energy Virginia | 14.09 | 2,383,548 | -2.92 | -$316 |
| Kentucky Utilities Co | 14.28 | 22,669 | -2.74 | -$295 |
| Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative | 14.50 | 30,016 | -2.51 | -$271 |
| Rappahannock Electric Coop | 14.89 | 169,489 | -2.13 | -$230 |
| City of Danville | 15.01 | 37,781 | -2.01 | -$217 |
| City of Salem | 15.12 | 11,298 | -1.90 | -$205 |
| Southside Electric Coop, Inc | 15.48 | 56,846 | -1.54 | -$166 |
| Central Virginia Electric Coop | 16.14 | 34,893 | -0.87 | -$94 |
| Appalachian Power Co (this page) | 17.02 | 465,283 | — | — |
12 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Appalachian Power. Showing the 11 cheapest. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Appalachian Power customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Appalachian Power customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Appalachian Power premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bland | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
| Craig | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
| Floyd | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
| Galax City | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
| Giles | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
| Grayson | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
| Lynchburg City | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
| Pulaski | Bristol Virginia Utilities | 10.99 | +$651 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 34 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 15.88 | 17.02 | +7.2% |
| Residential customers | 462,259 | 465,283 | +0.7% |
Ownership: Investor Owned. Statewide context: Virginia electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Appalachian Power bill
Virginia is a regulated retail market — Appalachian Power customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: scc.virginia.gov.
Counties served (VA, EIA-861 2024)
Albemarle · Amherst · Appomattox · Bedford · Bland · Botetourt · Buchanan · Buckingham · Campbell · Carroll · Craig · Dickenson · Floyd · Fluvanna · Franklin · Galax City · Giles · Grayson · Henry · Lynchburg City · Montgomery · Nelson · Patrick · Pittsylvania · Pulaski · Roanoke · Roanoke City · Russell · Scott · Smyth · Tazewell · Washington · Wise · Wythe
Head-to-head comparisons
- Dominion Energy Virginia vs Appalachian Power Co
- Appalachian Power Co vs Rappahannock Electric Coop
- Appalachian Power Co vs Shenandoah Valley Elec Coop
- Appalachian Power Co vs Southside Electric Coop, Inc
Questions people ask
- Is Appalachian Power Co more expensive than other Virginia utilities?
- Appalachian Power Co customers paid an average 17.02 cents/kWh in 2024 — 18% above the Virginia volume-weighted average of 14.41 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Appalachian Power Co?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Virginia has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (scc.virginia.gov).
- How many customers does Appalachian Power Co have?
- 465,283 residential customers in Virginia in 2024 across 34 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: investor-owned.