Dominion Energy North Carolina files settlement with consumer groups to increase rates 5 percent

Pending approval from the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC), Dominion Energy North Carolina and consumer advocates filed a settlement agreement this week that could see natural gas rates increase approximately 5 percent to support reliability, growth, and clean energy programs.

For the average residential customer, this would mean a $3 monthly bill increase. Dominion provides natural gas to 600,000 people in the state, and investments over the last five years have extended its system’s capabilities to serve more than 60,000 additional customers. Even with the rate hike, the company predicts much of the additional costs will be initially offset by federal tax cut savings still being passed to customers.

Those new rates would go into effect on November 1, as projected. 

“We’re grateful to all the stakeholders involved for their cooperative approach,” Rusty Harris, vice president and general manager of Dominion Energy North Carolina’s natural gas business, said. “This agreement supports reliable service and more clean energy for our customers while keeping our rates affordable. That’s a positive outcome for our customers and the environment.” 

In addition to the new costs, the agreement — if approved — would provide for three new clean energy programs:

• GreenTherm – a voluntary program that would allow customers to support renewable natural gas projects to reduce emissions
• Energy Conservation Programs – expanded programs to help customers reduce energy use
• Hydrogen Blending Pilot – a proposed pilot project to blend hydrogen in a test system

Each of these new programs would become available in early 2022 if they pass NCUC approval. All aspects of the proposed agreement were consented to by Dominion, NCUC Public Staff, the Carolina Utility Customers Association, Inc., and an industrial customer.