RICHMOND — As cold weather approaches, heating bill costs are expected to increase, particularly for those who heat their homes with electricity.
According to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, electricity costs are expected to rise the most, with an increase of about 10.2%, while natural gas bills are also projected to climb. Propane and heating oil users may see slight relief, but overall, energy costs remain a growing concern.
Already, NEADA notes that about one in six households is behind on utility payments, and total unpaid energy bills nationwide have soared to $23 billion. To make matters worse, federal energy aid for low-income families has dropped from $6.1 billion last year to $4.1 billion this year, leaving fewer resources for those who need help most.
WYDaily sat down with Dominion Energy spokesperson Cherise Newsome to discuss ways customers can reduce their energy costs.
Newsome said the company has been preparing all year for severe weather to ensure reliable service when demand spikes.
“When it’s really cold, we bring all of our power generation sources online, traditional power plants, nuclear, solar, and even battery storage, so customers have the power they need when they need it most,” she explained.
With colder weather driving up energy use, Dominion Energy is sharing practical steps customers can take to stay warm while keeping heating bills manageable.
“Extreme cold means more people running their heating systems at the same time, and that can push demand up significantly,” she said. “The key is for customers to make small, smart adjustments at home that reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.”
She outlined several strategies that households can adopt right away:
- Adjust Your Thermostat Gradually — Lowering your thermostat by just a few degrees, as much as comfortably possible, can reduce strain on your heating system and lower costs.
- Use Dominion’s Usage Alerts — Customers can sign up to receive texts or emails when their home’s energy use reaches a set threshold, helping them make quick adjustments before bills get too high.
- Take a Virtual Energy Audit — Dominion offers a free online assessment that identifies drafts around doors and windows. Customers who complete it receive a no-cost kit with supplies like door sweeps, caulking, and LED bulbs to help weatherize their homes.
- Switch to LED Lighting — Replacing traditional bulbs with LEDs can save about $40 annually. LEDs use up to 90% less energy.
- Cut Water Heating Costs — Lowering the thermostat on your water heater and washing clothes in cold water can save up to $145 a year.
Dominion also runs a Peak Time Rebates program, which rewards customers for reducing energy use during high-demand periods. Participants can earn $1.25 per kilowatt-hour saved, with about 10 events scheduled each year. And, for families facing financial hardship, the company offers up to $600 in bill payment assistance during the winter season.
Dominion has also invested in stronger, taller power poles and smart sensors to detect problems quickly.
“If a tree branch or ice knocks into a line, the sensors can isolate the trouble spot and reroute power so fewer customers experience outages,” Newsome said. The company’s Strategic Underground Program, now in its 11th year, has also buried lines in areas prone to frequent outages, cutting restoration times from 11 hours to just under two minutes.
Newsome stressed that knowledge is power.
“Everyone wants to stay comfortable in their homes, but small changes really do add up,” she said. “By using the tools and programs available, customers can manage their usage, lower their bills, and still keep their homes warm.”
For more information, visit the Dominion Energy or Energy Star’s Low-No-Cost Tips websites.
