How to Save on Dominion Energy Bills in Virginia

Living in Virginia means enjoying four distinct seasons, from crisp autumn mornings to hot, humid summers — and with those seasons come fluctuating energy demands. Dominion Energy, the primary electricity and natural gas provider for millions of Virginians, delivers reliable power to homes and businesses across the state. But as energy costs rise and inflation impacts household budgets, many residents are searching for practical, sustainable ways to reduce their monthly Dominion Energy bills. The good news? Significant savings are possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. By understanding your energy usage patterns, leveraging available programs, and adopting smart habits, you can lower your bill by 20%, 30%, or even more. This comprehensive guide walks you through proven, actionable strategies tailored specifically for Dominion Energy customers in Virginia, helping you take control of your energy expenses and build long-term financial resilience.

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Analyze Your Energy Usage with Dominion’s Online Portal

The first step to saving money is understanding where your energy is going. Dominion Energy provides a secure, user-friendly online account portal where you can view your daily, weekly, and monthly usage data. Log in to your account at dominionenergy.com and navigate to the “Usage & Billing” section. Here, you’ll find interactive graphs that show how much electricity or gas you’ve used over time. Compare your usage month-to-month and look for spikes — these often correlate with extreme weather, holiday gatherings, or malfunctioning appliances.

Pay attention to your “Usage Profile.” If your consumption peaks between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays, you’re likely using high-energy appliances during peak demand hours. This is critical information because it opens the door to time-based pricing options, which we’ll cover later. Additionally, Dominion’s portal allows you to set usage alerts — for example, receiving an email when your usage exceeds 120% of your average. These alerts help you catch inefficiencies before they inflate your bill.

2. Enroll in Time-of-Use Pricing (TOU)

Dominion Energy offers a Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plan designed for customers who can shift their energy use to off-peak hours. Under this plan, electricity costs less during overnight and weekend hours and more during weekday afternoons and early evenings. For example, electricity might cost $0.08 per kWh between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. but rise to $0.22 per kWh between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.

To qualify, you must have a smart meter installed — most Virginia homes have one already. If you don’t, request one through your online account. Once enrolled, reprogram your daily routines: run your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer after 8 p.m. or before 6 a.m. Charge electric vehicles overnight. Set your thermostat to adjust automatically during peak hours using a smart thermostat. Many customers report 15–25% savings after switching to TOU, especially if they were previously using high-energy appliances during the afternoon.

3. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

Older appliances are energy hogs. A refrigerator from 2005 can use nearly twice as much electricity as a new ENERGY STAR® certified model. The same applies to air conditioners, water heaters, and clothes dryers. Dominion Energy offers rebates for upgrading to certified equipment. For example, you can receive up to $150 for replacing an old central air conditioner with an ENERGY STAR® model, and up to $75 for a high-efficiency water heater.

When shopping for new appliances, look for the yellow ENERGY STAR® label. Compare the estimated annual energy cost listed on the label — this is a better indicator than the upfront price. For instance, a $900 refrigerator that uses 400 kWh/year may cost less over its lifetime than a $700 model using 700 kWh/year. Prioritize upgrades in this order: HVAC system, water heater, refrigerator, then lighting. Each upgrade compounds savings over time.

4. Seal Air Leaks and Improve Insulation

Up to 30% of heating and cooling energy is lost through poor insulation and air leaks. In Virginia’s climate, this is a major contributor to high winter and summer bills. Start by inspecting windows, doors, electrical outlets, and attic hatches for drafts. Use weatherstripping around doors and window frames — it costs under $20 and lasts years. Apply caulk to gaps around plumbing penetrations and baseboards.

In the attic, check the insulation level. Virginia recommends R-38 to R-60 insulation for optimal efficiency. If your attic has less than R-30, consider adding blown-in cellulose or fiberglass. Dominion Energy partners with local contractors who offer discounted insulation installations through the Energy Efficiency Program. You may qualify for a free home energy audit, which includes a blower door test to pinpoint leaks.

5. Install a Programmable or Smart Thermostat

Thermostats are the single most impactful control point for heating and cooling costs. A programmable thermostat lets you set different temperatures for day, night, and when you’re away. A smart thermostat goes further — it learns your schedule, adjusts automatically based on weather, and allows remote control via smartphone.

Dominion Energy offers rebates of up to $100 for qualifying smart thermostats like Nest, Ecobee, or Honeywell. Install the device and set it to: 68°F in winter when home, 62°F when away or asleep; 78°F in summer when home, 82°F when away. These small adjustments can save up to 10% annually on HVAC costs. Enable the “eco mode” feature and turn on geofencing so the thermostat knows when you’re leaving or returning home.

6. Switch to LED Lighting

Incandescent and even CFL bulbs waste up to 90% of their energy as heat. LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer. Replacing every bulb in your home with LEDs can cut lighting costs by 80%. Dominion Energy provides free LED bulb kits to qualifying customers through its Energy Efficiency Program. You can also request them online — simply fill out a form and they’ll be mailed to you at no cost.

Focus on high-use areas first: kitchen, living room, porch lights, and garage. Use dimmable LEDs where appropriate and install motion sensors in hallways and bathrooms. Avoid leaving lights on unnecessarily — even a single 60-watt equivalent LED left on 24/7 adds $5–$8 per year to your bill. With dozens of bulbs, that adds up quickly.

7. Unplug “Vampire” Electronics

Many devices draw power even when turned off — a phenomenon called “phantom load” or “vampire energy.” Televisions, game consoles, coffee makers, phone chargers, and smart speakers can collectively consume 5–10% of your total electricity usage. A study by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory found the average U.S. household wastes $100–$200 annually on vampire energy.

Combat this by using smart power strips that cut power to devices when the main device (like a TV or computer) is turned off. Alternatively, plug groups of electronics into a traditional power strip and flip the switch when not in use. Make it a habit to unplug chargers after use. For hard-to-reach devices, consider installing a timer that automatically shuts off entertainment systems after midnight.

8. Optimize Water Heating

Water heating accounts for nearly 18% of home energy use. Lower your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F — the recommended setting by the U.S. Department of Energy. Higher temperatures increase energy use and risk scalding. Insulate your water heater tank with a blanket (if it’s an older model) and wrap the first six feet of hot water pipes with foam insulation.

Install low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators — they reduce hot water use without sacrificing pressure. Dominion Energy offers free low-flow fixtures to qualifying customers. Take shorter showers, run full loads in the dishwasher and washing machine, and fix dripping faucets immediately. A single leaky faucet can waste over 3,000 gallons of water per year — and all that heated water adds to your bill.

9. Use Ceiling Fans Strategically

Ceiling fans don’t cool the air — they move it, creating a wind-chill effect on your skin. In summer, set fans to rotate counterclockwise to push air down. In winter, reverse them to clockwise on low speed to gently circulate warm air trapped near the ceiling. Use fans in conjunction with your thermostat: you can raise the AC setting by 4°F and still feel comfortable with a fan running.

Turn fans off when you leave the room — they only work when someone is present to feel the breeze. Avoid running fans in unoccupied rooms. A ceiling fan uses about 15–90 watts, depending on speed — far less than an air conditioner, which can use 3,500 watts.

10. Participate in Dominion’s Energy Efficiency Programs

Dominion Energy invests millions annually in programs designed to help customers reduce consumption. These are not marketing gimmicks — they’re proven, subsidized initiatives with real financial benefits.

• Home Energy Audit: Schedule a free in-home assessment. A certified technician will use infrared cameras, blower door tests, and diagnostic tools to identify inefficiencies and recommend upgrades — often with instant rebates.
• Rebate Programs: Get cash back for upgrading HVAC systems, water heaters, insulation, windows, and more. Visit dominionenergy.com/rebates for current offerings.
• On-Bill Financing: Qualifying customers can finance energy upgrades (like insulation or heat pumps) through their monthly bill at 0% interest. Repay over 12–60 months — and your monthly savings often exceed your payment.
• Smart Thermostat Program: Enroll to receive a free smart thermostat and earn bill credits for allowing Dominion to make minor, temporary adjustments during peak demand periods.

These programs are funded by state-mandated energy efficiency requirements and are available to all residential customers. Don’t assume you’re ineligible — even renters can qualify for certain upgrades with landlord permission.

Best Practices

1. Monitor Your Bill Consistently

Don’t wait until the end of the month to check your bill. Set a weekly reminder to review your usage on the Dominion portal. Look for trends: Is your usage spiking every third week? Could that be due to a guest staying over or a faulty appliance? Consistent monitoring builds awareness and prevents surprises.

2. Compare Seasonal Patterns

Summer and winter bills will naturally be higher. But if your winter bill is 50% higher than last year despite similar weather, investigate. Compare your usage in kWh to the average for your region. Dominion provides benchmarking data — if you’re in the top 20% of users, you’re likely wasting energy.

3. Avoid High-Energy Appliances During Peak Hours

Even if you’re not on a TOU plan, avoiding high-energy use between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays helps reduce overall grid demand. This contributes to lower long-term energy prices and can prevent future rate hikes. Schedule laundry, baking, and pool pump operation for early morning or late evening.

4. Maintain Your HVAC System

Dirty air filters can increase energy use by up to 15%. Replace or clean filters every 1–3 months, depending on pets and air quality. Schedule professional HVAC maintenance twice a year — in spring and fall. Clean ducts, lubricate motors, and check refrigerant levels. A well-maintained system runs more efficiently and lasts longer.

5. Educate Your Household

Energy savings require collective effort. Teach children to turn off lights. Encourage family members to unplug devices. Create a simple checklist: “Lights off. Doors closed. Thermostat set. Appliances unplugged.” Make it a routine. When everyone participates, savings multiply.

6. Consider Solar Panels with Dominion’s Net Metering

If you own your home and have a sunny roof, solar panels are a powerful long-term investment. Dominion Energy offers net metering — when your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, the excess is sent to the grid and you receive credits on your bill. These credits offset usage during cloudy days or at night.

Virginia law allows you to receive a credit at the full retail rate, making solar highly economical. Federal tax credits cover 30% of installation costs, and Dominion may offer additional incentives. While the upfront cost is significant, many customers break even in 7–10 years and enjoy decades of near-zero electricity bills afterward.

7. Avoid Energy-Saving Scams

Be wary of unsolicited calls, emails, or door-to-door salespeople claiming to represent Dominion Energy. Dominion will never ask for your account password, Social Security number, or payment over the phone. Only use official channels: dominionenergy.com, the Dominion Energy mobile app, or verified mail correspondence.

8. Bundle Energy-Saving Actions

Many savings strategies work best together. For example: installing a smart thermostat + sealing air leaks + switching to LED lighting + using TOU pricing can compound into 30–40% savings. Don’t just do one thing — create a holistic plan. Track your progress monthly and celebrate milestones.

Tools and Resources

1. Dominion Energy Online Account Portal

dominionenergy.com

Your central hub for viewing usage, paying bills, enrolling in programs, and accessing rebates. Set up email and text alerts for usage spikes and payment reminders.

2. ENERGY STAR® Product Finder

www.energystar.gov/productfinder

Search for certified appliances, lighting, and electronics with verified energy savings. Filter by category, brand, and rebate eligibility.

3. Home Energy Saver (Lawrence Berkeley National Lab)

hes.lbl.gov

A free, interactive tool that estimates your home’s energy use and suggests cost-effective improvements. Input your home’s age, size, insulation, and appliances for a personalized report.

4. Virginia Energy Efficiency Program Directory

www.virginia.gov/energy-efficiency

State-run resource listing local contractors, incentives, and educational materials for Virginia residents.

5. Smart Thermostat Rebate Finder

www.energystar.gov/rebates

Enter your zip code to find current smart thermostat rebates from Dominion Energy and other local utilities.

6. Energy.gov’s Home Energy Checklist

www.energy.gov/energysaver/home-energy-checklist

A printable, step-by-step guide to identifying and fixing common energy waste in your home.

7. Dominion Energy Mobile App

Available on iOS and Android

Track usage in real time, receive outage alerts, pay bills, and enroll in programs on the go. Sync with smart home devices for automated control.

8. Local Community Energy Groups

Many Virginia counties and cities have energy cooperatives or nonprofit groups that offer free workshops, bulk-buying discounts on LEDs and smart thermostats, and peer-to-peer advice. Search “[Your County] + energy efficiency group” on Facebook or Google.

Real Examples

Example 1: The Smith Family — Richmond, VA

The Smiths, a family of four in a 2,200-square-foot home, were paying $220 per month in summer and $180 in winter. After enrolling in Dominion’s free home energy audit, they discovered:

• Old furnace (1998) with 70% efficiency
• Attic insulation at R-19 (below recommended R-38)
• Single-pane windows
• Thermostat set to 76°F in summer

They took action:

• Replaced furnace with a 96% efficient model ($1,800 cost, $600 rebate)
• Added blown-in cellulose insulation ($1,200 cost, $400 rebate)
• Installed smart thermostat ($100 rebate, free from Dominion)
• Set thermostat to 78°F in summer and 68°F in winter

Within three months, their summer bill dropped to $145, and winter to $120 — a 34% reduction. Their payback period for upgrades was under 2 years. They now save $1,200 annually.

Example 2: Maria, Apartment Renter — Arlington, VA

Maria pays $110/month for electricity in her 750-square-foot apartment. She can’t make structural changes, but she implemented:

• Plugged all electronics into smart power strips
• Replaced 8 incandescent bulbs with LEDs (received free ones from Dominion)
• Used ceiling fans instead of AC when possible
• Set AC to 77°F and used a window shade to block afternoon sun
• Washed laundry at night to avoid peak hours

Her bill dropped to $78/month — a 29% reduction. She saved $384 per year with no upfront cost.

Example 3: The Johnsons — Roanoke, VA

The Johnsons installed a 6.5 kW solar system in 2023 after researching incentives. They received:

• $9,750 federal tax credit (30%)
• $1,500 Dominion Energy solar rebate
• Net metering credits that offset 100% of their usage in summer

They now pay only the $12 monthly connection fee. In winter, they draw slightly from the grid but still use credits earned in summer. Their annual electric bill is now $144 — down from $2,100. Their system is projected to pay for itself in 7 years.

FAQs

Can I really save $300 a year on my Dominion Energy bill?

Absolutely. Most households can achieve 20–30% savings through a combination of behavioral changes, appliance upgrades, and program enrollment. The examples above show savings of $380–$1,200 annually. Even small actions — like switching to LEDs and sealing leaks — can save $150–$250 per year.

Do I need to own my home to qualify for Dominion Energy rebates?

No. Many rebates are available to renters, including free LED bulbs, low-flow fixtures, and smart thermostats. For larger upgrades like HVAC or insulation, you’ll need landlord approval — but many landlords are willing to participate if it reduces utility costs for future tenants.

Is Time-of-Use pricing right for me?

If you’re home during the day and use appliances like dryers, dishwashers, or EV chargers during weekday afternoons, TOU may not save you money. But if you’re away during the day, can shift laundry to evenings, or have a programmable thermostat, TOU can cut your bill by 15–25%. Dominion provides a savings estimator on their website to help you decide.

What if I can’t afford upfront costs for upgrades?

Dominion offers On-Bill Financing for qualifying upgrades — meaning you pay for improvements through your monthly bill at 0% interest. Your monthly payment is often less than your monthly savings. You can also apply for state and federal tax credits, which reduce your out-of-pocket cost.

Are smart thermostats worth it?

Yes. A smart thermostat typically pays for itself in 1–2 years through energy savings. Plus, Dominion gives you $100 cash back. You also gain convenience — remote control, usage reports, and automatic scheduling.

Does Dominion Energy offer bill assistance for low-income households?

Yes. The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Dominion Energy Customer Assistance Program (CEAP) provide financial help with bills and weatherization. Visit dominionenergy.com/assistance for eligibility and application details.

How often should I check my energy usage?

At least once a week. Daily checks are helpful during extreme weather. Monthly reviews are essential to catch anomalies — like a failing refrigerator or water heater — before they become costly.

Can I get a free energy audit?

Yes. Dominion Energy offers free home energy audits to all residential customers. No purchase is required. The audit includes a detailed report and recommendations for upgrades with estimated savings.

What’s the biggest mistake people make?

Waiting until the bill is too high to act. The most successful savers start small — replacing one bulb, sealing one draft, setting the thermostat one degree higher — and build momentum. Consistency beats one-time efforts.

Conclusion

Saving on your Dominion Energy bill isn’t about drastic lifestyle changes — it’s about smart, informed decisions that compound over time. From analyzing your usage patterns and enrolling in time-based pricing, to upgrading appliances, sealing leaks, and taking advantage of free rebates and financing, every action adds up. The examples we’ve shared prove that whether you live in a rural farmhouse or a downtown apartment, meaningful savings are within reach.

The tools and resources provided by Dominion Energy are not hidden perks — they’re designed to help you succeed. Take the first step today: log into your account, request a free energy audit, or swap out one incandescent bulb for an LED. These small acts create a ripple effect — reducing your bill, lowering your carbon footprint, and contributing to a more sustainable energy future for Virginia.

Energy efficiency is not a one-time project — it’s an ongoing practice. The longer you commit to smarter energy habits, the greater your savings become. Start now. Your wallet — and the planet — will thank you.