Molly Ayala
The average electricity bill in Strasburg, Virginia, is $175 per month, with rates of 14 ¢/kWh, which is 3% lower than the average electricity rate in Virginia. Natural gas, nuclear power, renewables, and coal are the main sources of electricity in Virginia. Natural gas accounted for 55% of the state's total in-state electricity net generation in 2023, while nuclear power supplied 32%, renewables 12% and coal 2%.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Average electricity bill | $175-$191 per month |
| Average monthly consumption | 1,382 kWh |
| Average electric rate | 14 ¢/kWh |
| Average electricity customer's yearly consumption | 16,584 kWh |
| Average electricity bill over the next 25 years | $81,300 |
| Average residential electricity rate in Virginia | 14.28 ¢/kWh |
| National average electric bill | $2,584 |
| National average electric rate | 20 ¢/kWh |
| Virginia's electricity sources | Coal, nuclear, hydroelectric |
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What You'll Learn
Average electricity costs
The average electricity bill in Strasburg, Virginia, is $175 per month, though some sources state it could be as high as $191 per month. This is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electric rate: 1,382 kWh * 14 ¢/kWh. The average residential electricity rate in Strasburg is 14 ¢/kWh, which is 3% lower than the average electricity rate in Virginia of 14.28 ¢/kWh. Residential rates in the U.S. range from 6 ¢/kWh to 71 ¢/kWh depending on where you live, what types of power plants provide your electricity, and when during the day or year you’re consuming electricity.
The average electricity customer in Strasburg uses 1,382 kWh of electricity per month and 16,584 kWh over the course of the year. Over the next 25 years, the average Strasburg resident should expect to pay $81,300 on electric bills. This can be reduced by using less electricity or by reducing the cost of electricity, such as by installing a solar system. On average, it would take 11.91 years to break even on a solar investment in Strasburg.
Electric bills are designed to cover all the costs of producing the electricity that is consumed, as well as the costs of running and maintaining the electrical grid to help prevent outages, and any public benefit funds that promote things like renewable energy and energy efficiency. These costs are rolled into both fixed charges (e.g. monthly customer charges) and variable charges (e.g. ¢/kWh that you use). While fixed charges remain the same each month, the portion of variable charges on the bill will change based on how much electricity is used.
Virginia's electric system is provided by a mix of energy sources. Half of the coal burned in the state's coal-fired power plants is obtained from Virginia mines, with most of the rest coming from West Virginia and Kentucky. Dominion Virginia Power operates two large nuclear plants in eastern Virginia, at North Anna and Surrey, as well as three coal-fired plants in Altavista, Hopewell, and Southampton. Oil and gas-fired plants generally produce power during periods of high demand and are smaller than the state's nuclear and coal-fired facilities, but they are more expensive to operate per kilowatt-hour. Virginia also has two large hydroelectric facilities: the Bath County pumped-storage facility, operated by Dominion Virginia Power, and Smith Mountain Lake, operated by American Electric Power on the Roanoke River.
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Average monthly consumption
The average monthly consumption of electricity in Strasburg, VA, is 1,382 kilowatt-hours (kWh). This works out at an average monthly electric bill of $175 to $191 for residential customers. This rate is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electric rate: 1,382 kWh * 14 ¢/kWh.
Electric bills are designed to cover all the costs of producing the electricity that is used, as well as the costs of running and maintaining the electrical grid to prevent outages. They also cover any public benefit funds that promote things like renewable energy and energy efficiency. These costs are rolled into both fixed charges (such as monthly customer charges) and variable charges (such as ¢/kWh that you use). While fixed charges remain the same each month, the variable charges will depend on how much electricity is used.
The average residential electricity rate in Strasburg is 14 ¢/kWh, which is 3% lower than the average electricity rate in Virginia of 14.28 ¢/kWh. This rate is also 30% lower than the national average rate of 20 ¢/kWh.
Over the next 25 years, the average electricity customer in Strasburg, VA, can expect to pay $81,300 on electric bills. One way to reduce these costs is by installing a solar system. On average, customers will break even on their solar investment in 11.91 years, after which they may not owe anything on their electric bills.
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Sources of electricity
The average electricity bill in Strasburg, Virginia, is $175 per month, though some sources state it is as high as $191 per month. The average electric rate in Strasburg is 14 ¢/kWh, which is 3% lower than the average electricity rate in Virginia of 14.28 ¢/kWh. This rate is also 30% lower than the national average of 20 ¢/kWh.
Virginia's electricity is generated from a variety of sources. The state has several coal-fired power plants, with approximately half of the coal burned in these plants sourced from Virginia mines. The remaining coal is obtained from West Virginia and Kentucky. Dominion Virginia Power, for example, purchased three coal-fired plants in 2000 and also operates two large nuclear plants in eastern Virginia, at North Anna and Surrey. Large coal-fired and nuclear generators, as well as hydroelectric plants located on flowing streams, are known as "baseload" power plants. These plants operate most efficiently when generating power continuously, around-the-clock, seven days a week.
To meet the varying demands for electricity throughout the day and night, Virginia also utilises oil and gas-fired plants. These plants are generally smaller and more expensive to operate than baseload plants, but they can be brought online and offline more easily. Additionally, the state employs pumped-storage hydroelectric units to match supply with demand. Virginia has two large hydroelectric facilities: the Bath County pumped-storage facility, operated by Dominion Virginia Power, and Smith Mountain Lake, operated by American Electric Power. These facilities utilise excess electricity during periods of low demand to pump water into storage basins above the hydroelectric generators. Later, when power is needed, the water is released to generate electricity during high-demand periods.
To reduce their electric bills, residents of Strasburg can consider installing solar panel systems. While a $50 or $100 electric bill may not seem significant on a monthly basis, these expenses can accumulate over time. By investing in solar, residents can reduce or eliminate their monthly electric bills and, on average, break even on their investment in approximately 12 years.
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Cost-saving measures
The average residential electricity rate in Strasburg, Virginia, is 30% lower than the national average rate of 20 ¢/kWh. However, electricity costs can add up over time, and there are several cost-saving measures that residents can consider to reduce their energy bills.
Solar Panels
One of the most popular ways to save on electricity costs in Strasburg is by installing solar panels. Solar power is on the rise in the area, and solar panel systems can help reduce or even eliminate monthly electric bills. The amount of savings generated by solar panels depends on the amount spent on electricity and the proportion of the electric bill that solar power can offset.
On average, a 12.0 kW solar panel system in Strasburg costs $34,000 before incentives. With a 2.8% annual increase in electricity prices and a $0-down loan, residents can expect to save $2,300 in the first year, $12,100 over five years, $26,000 over 10 years, and $60,300 over 20 years.
It takes about 11.91 years to break even on a solar investment in Strasburg, after which residents may not owe anything on their electric bills. Additionally, net metering policies allow solar panel owners to send excess electricity back to the grid and receive credit on their next bill.
EnergySage Marketplace
EnergySage is a valuable resource for those considering solar panels. It provides a marketplace where users can receive and compare solar quotes side-by-side from qualified solar installers in their area. Energy Advisors are also available to provide information on unique quotes, local solar incentives, and other cost-saving measures.
Dominion Energy's Off-Peak Plan
Dominion Energy offers a voluntary Off-Peak Plan pilot program for customers with smart meters. This program allows participants to adjust their energy usage during the day to avoid more expensive peak hours, resulting in savings on their electric bills. While the program currently has a limit of 10,000 customers, spots may open up if current volunteers unenroll.
Shopping Around for Quotes
Shopping around for quotes can also help bring down the cost of solar panel installations. Comparing multiple quotes creates competition and transparency, potentially lowering prices by up to 20% compared to working with a single company.
Federal Tax Credit
The federal investment tax credit (ITC) can further reduce the cost of solar panel systems by 30%, making it more affordable for residents to invest in solar energy and take advantage of its cost-saving benefits.
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$10.47
Virginia's electricity generation
Natural gas and nuclear power plants are the predominant sources of electricity generation in Virginia, collectively accounting for 87% of the state's electricity supply in 2023. Natural gas, with its large share of 55%, has been increasingly favoured over coal-fired generation in recent years. The state's two nuclear power plants provide a significant contribution to the overall electricity generation, making up 32% of the energy mix.
Renewable energy sources, such as solar energy, biomass, and hydroelectric power, have been gaining traction in Virginia. In 2023, these sources collectively contributed about 12% of the state's electricity supply. Solar energy has seen remarkable growth, with utility-scale solar facilities (1-megawatt and larger) accounting for almost three-fifths of the state's renewable electricity and about 7% of the total net generation. By the end of 2024, Virginia had approximately 100 utility-scale solar power facilities, with a combined total capacity of about 4,800 megawatts.
Virginia's Clean Economy Act of 2020 sets ambitious targets for renewable energy sources. The Act directs the construction of 16,100 MW of solar power and onshore wind and up to 5,200 MW of offshore wind by 2035. This transition aims to achieve 100% renewable energy in the state's utility-delivered power by 2045. To meet rising peak demands and maintain power grid reliability, energy providers such as Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power have implemented demand response programs. These programs incentivize commercial and residential consumers to reduce their power usage during periods of high demand, improving the overall efficiency of the electricity system.
While Virginia's electricity generation landscape is evolving, it is important to note that the state's electricity consumption exceeds its total generation. As a result, Virginia relies on additional power drawn from the regional grid to meet its energy needs. Northern Virginia, with its high concentration of data centres, contributes significantly to the state's overall electricity consumption.
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Frequently asked questions
The average electricity bill in Strasburg, VA is $175 per month, with an average electric rate of 14 ¢/kWh.
In 2023, natural gas accounted for 55% of Virginia's total in-state electricity net generation, nuclear power supplied 32%, renewables (mostly solar energy and biomass) provided 12%, and coal fueled 2%.
The average residential electricity rate in Strasburg is 3% lower than the average electricity rate in Virginia and 30% lower than the national average rate.
