Dominion Energy has just filed a request with South Carolina regulators to raise electric rates this year, a move that would increase the average residential bill by about 12 percent starting in July. The proposal, submitted to the South Carolina Public Service Commission (PSC), would add nearly $20 per month to the typical household bill.
Dominion says the increase is necessary to recover roughly $322 million in costs tied to major system upgrades. The utility reports it has invested about $1.4 billion in electric infrastructure since 2023, including grid modernization, system capacity improvements, and storm recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene. Company officials argue these upgrades are essential to improve reliability, protect critical assets, and meet growing customer demand across the state.
According to Dominion’s rate review filings, the proposal includes funding for hardened substations, stronger power lines, vegetation management, and new technology designed to reduce outages and speed restoration times. The company also notes that South Carolina’s rapid growth has increased strain on the power system, requiring long-term investments in generation and transmission.
The PSC will begin reviewing the rate case in early 2026, with public hearings scheduled for the spring. Customers, consumer advocates, and local governments will have an opportunity to comment before regulators issue a final ruling.
If approved, the rate change would take effect in July 2026.
