South Carolina’s Dominion Energy proposes 12% rate hike

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dominion Energy customers across South Carolina could soon see higher electric bills under a proposed rate increase that would raise the average residential bill by about 12 percent, beginning in July.

The increase would amount to a monthly jump of nearly $20 for the average customer, according to the company.

Dominion Energy has asked state regulators to approve the rate hike, saying it is needed to help recover costs tied to major investments in the electric system.

Some customers, however, say the increase would come at a time when many households are already struggling.

“I don’t think it’d be worth it,” said Tiffany Diamond, a Dominion Energy customer in the Midlands. “Like nothing that they can say to make this, to make this twelve percent be comfortable.”

Dominion Energy says the increase would allow the company to recover approximately $322 million, supporting about $1.4 billion invested in the electric system since 2023. The company says those investments include storm recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene, along with other infrastructure improvements.

But customers like Diamond say rising utility costs are already taking a toll on families living paycheck to paycheck.

“You still got water bill. Light bill is four hundred, five hundred dollars,” Diamond said. “That’s still half of somebody’s check. You gotta buy detergent, paper towels, tissue. And you have to make that stretch to the next month.”

Another customer, Bresera Brown, said the proposed increase was shocking.

“That made my heart drop,” Brown said. “Because, Lord, twelve percent. That’s a lot. My bill already be, like, three, four hundred.”

Diamond said she is especially concerned about how the increase could affect people on fixed incomes, including seniors.

“They’re definitely not thinking about the elderly people,” she said. “Everybody is not well off. Everyone doesn’t have thousands in their account.”

In a written statement to News19, Dominion Energy said it “understands that no time is good for an increase in the cost of an essential service.” The company said it is committed to helping customers, including the most vulnerable, access assistance programs.

Dominion Energy described the request as “reasonable and necessary” to keep the electric system running safely, reliably and in an environmentally responsible manner, while practicing careful cost controls.

The company also emphasized that no costs related to the proposed Canadys project or data centers are included in the rate request.

The proposal must still be reviewed by the Public Service Commission of South Carolina, which is expected to hold a series of public hearings in spring 2026 before making a final decision.

If approved, the rate increase would take effect in July.