Harrisonburg, VA – Harrisonburg Electric Commission (HEC) has approved a 6% increase in the utility’s base rate for power, which will affect all readings taken after July 1st. The board voted to increase the rates at its regularly scheduled meeting on June 27th, 2023.

This is the first time since 2016 that HEC has raised the base rate for electricity. During the COVID pandemic, rates were temporarily decreased for customers in July 2020 before readjusting back to the previous rate in July 2021.

“We have been fortunate to hold rates steady since 2016. However, the recent increases in our wholesale power costs have precipitated the need to increase our rates to our customers,” HEC General Manager, Brian O’Dell, said.

The increase in wholesale power costs is primarily due to expenses being passed from Dominion Energy that are related to the construction of the offshore wind (OSW) project and other renewable energy projects currently under construction, as well as the costs associated with Virginia’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).

The 6% increase affects the base rate only and does not include any fuel or basic customer charges. When all other costs are included, the average residential customer who uses 1000 kWh per month can expect to see their bill increase by approximately 4.8%, or $5.35 per month.

Customers can view the updated rate schedules on HEC’s website at harrisonburgelectric.com