Dominion urges customers to switch to LED lights and unplug décor to save ahead of January’s rate hike, which will raise residential electric bills.
NORFOLK, Va. — VIRGINIA – As families across Hampton Roads light up their homes for the holidays, Dominion Energy is urging customers to keep efficiency in mind, especially with new rate hikes taking effect in January.
The State Corporation Commission approved Dominion’s request earlier this year, meaning residential customers will see their monthly bills increase starting January 2026. The timing, Dominion says, will overlap with both winter heating costs and months of holiday lighting for many households.
Lighting: A Big Piece of Your Bill
Dominion spokesperson Cherise Newsome says lighting alone makes up a surprising portion of energy use. “Lighting in your home accounts for about 17% of your electricity use, so that can impact your bill.”
Switching to LEDs is one of the simplest ways to cut costs long-term. “When you use LED lighting, that can reduce your energy costs by up to 75%. And LED light bulbs last about 25% longer than incandescent bulbs.”
Newsome encourages families to check their older holiday lights and consider upgrading if they’re not already LED.
“If you have them for quite a while, they may not be modernized LED versions. So that’s a good time to go ahead and check the kind that you have.”
Unplug to Avoid Phantom Energy
Even when the lights are switched off, they can still use power if they remain plugged in. “Even if they are turned off, but plugged in, they can still draw electricity from your outlets, which can impact your usage and your bill. It’s called phantom energy or phantom load.”
Why the Timing Matters
The new rates will take effect during the coldest part of the year, immediately after months of holiday lights, increased cooking, and higher-than-normal appliance use.
“That’s right on the heels of the holiday season, when folks would have been using a lot of lights. So, you know, go ahead and think ahead.”
Newsome says customers should start cutting back now to avoid a sharper increase once the higher rates combine with typical winter usage.
Free LED Bulbs & Energy Audit
Dominion offers an online energy audit that provides free LED bulbs and other efficiency tools. “You can get them by completing our virtual audit quiz… And then you get a kit of supplies at no cost. And that includes things like light bulbs.”
Customers can access the audit by visiting DominionEnergy.com.
Bill Assistance Available
Families struggling to pay their bills may qualify for Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program. “You can get up to $600 of bill payment assistance through our EnergyShare program during the winter months.”
Dominion also recommends asking about budget billing if families want a predictable monthly amount.
“You might want to consider something like a budget billing program where you have a predictable bill… and that can help you manage your household costs.”
Other Seasonal Energy Tips
Newsome also reminded families to watch for safety issues involving tangled cords, outdoor moisture, and older equipment. She said that cooking more during the holidays can also increase usage, and using smaller appliances can help.
“Air fryers and countertop appliances tend to use less energy than your oven and your range…when you can pop something into the air fryer, that might be a more efficient way for you.”