Virginia Electricity Prices

Virginia's residential electricity rate in May 2026 was 17.61¢/kWh, ranking 21st among the 50 states and DC, where the most expensive is ranked first. This rate sits 0.83¢/kWh below the national average of 18.44¢/kWh, a difference of 4.5%. Among bordering states, Virginia's price falls between West Virginia at 16.80¢/kWh and Maryland at 21.77¢/kWh, while North Carolina and Kentucky are cheaper at 15.09¢/kWh and 14.98¢/kWh respectively. The commercial rate stands at 10.84¢/kWh and industrial at 10.53¢/kWh.

Over the past five years since May 2021, Virginia's residential rate has climbed 46%, from 12.06¢/kWh. Over twenty years since May 2006, it rose 96.5% from 8.96¢/kWh, and since records began in January 2001 it has nearly tripled, gaining 157.5% from 6.84¢/kWh. May 2026 marks the highest rate on record; the lowest was in January 2001. Year-over-year, the rate jumped 15.4%.

The resulting average monthly bill in Virginia is $171 for 1,063 kWh, compared with the national average of $155 for 871 kWh. Although Virginia's rate is below the national average, residents use more electricity each month, pushing their bill higher. The higher consumption reflects the difference between the state's and nation's cost structures—a lower rate paired with greater usage.