Lawmakers push back in SWVA over proposed Old Dominion Power rate increase

Southwest Virginia lawmakers are pushing back against a proposed rate hike from Old Dominion Power. The utility is asking state regulators for a 23% base rate increase, which would add an average of $43 a month to local residential bills. Delegates Israel O’Quinn and Terry Kilgore, along with Senator Todd Pillion, sent a letter to the State Corporation Commission calling the hikes “absolutely untenable” amid nationwide inflation. They note this would be the company’s second rate jump in just 15 months. Old Dominion Power maintains the higher rates are necessary to upgrade systems and defend against severe storms. The SCC is accepting public comments through November 5, with a formal hearing scheduled for November 12.