Dominion Energy Rate Increase Intervention

SC Consumer Affairs News

Published March 25th, 2026

Detected March 25th, 2026

Summary

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has intervened on behalf of residential consumers in Dominion Energy South Carolina's request to increase rates by 12.73%. The Public Service Commission (PSC) is evaluating the filing, which would increase average monthly bills by approximately $19.98.

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What changed

The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) has intervened in a rate increase request filed by Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc. with the Public Service Commission (PSC). Dominion Energy is seeking approval for a 12.73% rate hike, which would result in an average monthly increase of $19.98 for residential customers. The SCDCA's intervention aims to represent the interests of these consumers throughout the PSC's evaluation process.

Residential customers in 24 South Carolina counties served by Dominion Energy have opportunities to provide testimony during public hearings scheduled from late March through May 2026. The SCDCA, acting as a consumer advocate, has a history of intervening in utility rate cases and has previously secured significant savings for residential customers. Affected consumers should review the PSC's website for details on hearing dates, locations, and pre-registration requirements if they wish to voice their concerns.

What to do next

Consumers should review PSC hearing schedules and pre-registration requirements if they wish to testify.
Affected entities should monitor PSC proceedings regarding the rate increase.

Source document (simplified)

Wed, 03/25/2026 COLUMBIA, S.C. – The South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs (SCDCA) intervened to represent the interest of residential consumers as the Public Service Commission (PSC) evaluates Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc.’s request to increase rates. The company serves customers living in 24 South Carolina counties from the Midlands to the Lowcountry.

Dominion Energy is asking the PSC to approve a rate increase of 12.73%, which amounts to about $19.98 per month, for the average residential electric customer. The company says the rise in rates will help the company keep up with a growing demand for electricity in the state. For more information on Dominion’s filing, click here. To view the PSC Docket, click here.

Dominion Energy customers have opportunities in March, April and May to be heard on the requested rate increase. All hearings will be held in-person, but customers can choose to testify virtually at the May 12 and May 13 hearings in Columbia. During the hearings, the PSC will hear testimony from those who pre-register first. More information on the hearings, including how to pre-register, can be found on the PSC website.

Hearing dates and locations are:

| Date of Hearing | Location |
| Tuesday, March 31, 2026
6 p.m. | Lonnie Hamilton III, Public Services Building
Charleston County Council Chambers
4045 Bridge View Drive, 2nd Floor
North Charleston, SC 29405 |
| Thursday, April 2, 2026
6 p.m. | Bluffton Town Council Chambers
20 Bridge Street
Bluffton, SC 29910 |
| Thursday, April 9, 2026
6 p.m. | Aiken County Government Center
County Council Chambers
1930 University Parkway, 3rd Floor
Aiken, SC 29801 |
| Thursday, April 28, 2026
6 p.m. | Aiken County Government Center
County Council Chambers
1930 University Parkway, 3rd Floor
Aiken, SC 29801 |
| Tuesday, May 12, 2026
Morning Session: 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Evening Session: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | In-Person or Virtual
Public Service Commission
Hearing Room
101 Executive Center Drive
Columbia, SC 29210 |
| Only if needed**
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
Evening Session: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m. | In-Person or Virtual
Public Service Commission
Hearing Room
101 Executive Center Drive
Columbia, SC 29210 |
This is the third rate case SCDCA intervened in since June of last year. As the consumer advocate, SCDCA can intervene in utility ratemaking before the PSC and serves to advocate for the interest of residential customers. Since its authority to intervene at the PSC was restored by the General Assembly in 2018, SCDCA’s Advocacy Division has participated in over 50 PSC dockets, including every full rate case filing, other matters that impact residential rates, and numerous administrative proceedings. During this time, SCDCA’s involvement in electric, gas, water and sewer rate cases has saved residential customers over $46 million.

SCDCA has the duty to educate consumers on what is happening at the PSC and other agencies taking actions that may affect them. To learn more about the Department's utility intervention role, view this newly created Spotlight.

About SCDCA

Established in 1974, DCA has more than fifty years of experience in protecting South Carolina consumers while recognizing those businesses that act honestly and fairly. Cultivating a marketplace comprised of well-informed consumers and businesses prevents deceptive and unfair business practices, allows legitimate business activity to flourish, resulting in the promotion of competition and a healthier economy.