Dominion Energy

Re “Lawmakers can restore order by resuming utility rate reviews” (Our Views, Feb. 6): Nobody likes bills. But, when you get your next electric one, consider what it provides. It allows you to watch the Super Bowl, heat your house, work from home and attend virtual school. In short, it is the foundation of modern life.

If you are a Dominion Energy Virginia customer you get all of that at rates that are more than 10% below the national average, according to the latest federal data. Moreover, they have remained low and stable for more than a decade. The typical Dominion Energy Virginia residential customer’s monthly bill is around $116 and has grown at less than the rate of inflation since 2008. In fact, the costs of food, housing, medical care and other key services have all grown at higher rates over that same time.

The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press did not acknowledge these facts in its Feb. 7 editorial. Also lacking in their discussion of electric rates is the value for the electric dollar in Virginia — which has excellent reliability and increasingly clean energy.

We won’t compromise our focus on affordable and reliable service as we continue on our path toward net zero emissions and deploy more renewable resources and energy storage to create clean energy jobs and meet policymakers’ goals.

Dominion Energy is a clean energy leader, as evidenced by our Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind project 27 miles off the coast of Virginia Beach. Our Virginia customers are some of the first in the country to experience the benefits of this new zero-carbon resource. Work is now underway in the adjacent area on the largest offshore wind project in the Americas, which will create clean energy jobs and bring more clean and renewable energy to customers.

Our investments will help jump-start the economy as we emerge from the pandemic. We’ve been here to help customers deal with COVID-19 impacts in a number of ways. We’ve forgiven more than $127 million in past due bills, provided $14 million in EnergyShare funds to small businesses and residential customers, and — most importantly — have ensured all customers can count on continued service no matter their financial situation over the past year.

We are proud to serve our customers with affordable rates, and reliable service. We will never lose focus of that as we lead Virginia’s clean energy transition.

William L. Murray, senior vice president Corporate Affairs and Communications, Dominion Energy