Virginia Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through August 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 31, 2026
As of August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Virginia is 17.64¢/kWh (the 20th-highest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $219.74, per EIA data. That rate is 0.5¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 16.61 | 144.37 | 869 |
| October 2025 | 16.35 | 125.23 | 766 |
| November 2025 | 15.94 | 141.66 | 889 |
| December 2025 | 15.27 | 205.78 | 1348 |
| January 2026 | 15.87 | 239.50 | 1509 |
| February 2026 | 15.96 | 209.24 | 1311 |
| March 2026 | 17.05 | 154.24 | 905 |
| April 2026 | 17.38 | 129.95 | 748 |
| May 2026 | 17.61 | 145.87 | 828 |
| June 2026 | 17.22 | 185.25 | 1076 |
| July 2026 | 17.55 | 228.05 | 1299 |
| August 2026 | 17.64 | 219.74 | 1246 |
Virginia vs the U.S. average
| Virginia | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 17.64¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $219.74 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 1246 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +11.3% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +38.8% | +30.5% |
Virginia's average residential rate of 17.64¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 32nd of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +11.3% (Virginia) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +38.8% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 1246 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Virginia's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Virginia
Average effective rates and bills for Virginia's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia Electric & Power Co | 18.82 | 232.64 | 1,236 | 2,433,594 |
| Appalachian Power Co | 15.63 | 157.06 | 1,005 | 469,780 |
| Rappahannock Electric Coop | 16.69 | 210.88 | 1,263 | 174,338 |
| Shenandoah Valley Elec Coop | 16.71 | 195.53 | 1,170 | 88,055 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at Virginia rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Virginia's average rate of 17.64¢/kWh is about $176.40. The state's actual average usage is 1246 kWh/month, which is what produces the $219.74 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: Virginia gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.