The Virginia State Corporation Commission approves rules and regulations that govern our operations and rates.
2026 rate adjustment filing common questions
In May 2026, Columbia Gas of Virginia filed a request with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) seeking approval to adjust base rates for distribution service to allow for the Company’s continued improvements to its natural gas distribution system and to accommodate sustained demand for natural gas. These filed rates seek an increase of approximately $64.3 million in annual revenue for services rendered on or after Oct. 4, 2026, and a further incremental revenue increase of $14.6 million for services rendered on or after Oct. 4, 2027.
As part of this process, we requested interim rate changes to be effective for services rendered on or after Oct. 4, 2026, subject to refund. Customers will begin seeing these interim rates in their October statements. If the SCC ultimately approves a rate change that is less than what Columbia Gas has proposed, then we will refund the difference to customers, with interest.
What are base rates?
Base rates generate the revenue needed to recover the costs to repair, upgrade and operate Columbia Gas of Virginia’s natural gas delivery system. This system includes approximately 5,600 miles of pipelines, regulator stations, meters and other facilities. Base rates represent about 60 percent of a typical customer’s total bill. The remaining 40 percent of the bill consists of natural gas commodity costs. As a regulated utility, Columbia Gas purchases gas on the wholesale market and, under Virginia law, passes those natural gas costs on to the customer without mark-up or profit.
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What is a rate case?
Unlike most businesses, which can change the price of their product/service without outside approval, regulated energy providers—like Columbia Gas—must submit a detailed request to change their base rates. The request includes evidence to support the increase and demonstrate how it benefits customers.
The process—referred to as a rate case—must be decided by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC).
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Why are you asking to raise rates?
Columbia Gas has filed a request with the SCC for approval to adjust base rates for distribution service to allow for the Company’s continued improvements to its natural gas distribution system; to continue to provide safe, reliable and high-quality service to its customers; and to accommodate the sustained demand for natural gas in the areas Columbia Gas serves. Columbia Gas of Virginia provides natural gas distribution service to approximately 293,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 98 cities, towns and counties throughout its Northern, Piedmont, Central and Tidewater operating regions.
The requested increase in base rates does not include the cost of natural gas delivered to customers. The charge for the natural gas commodity itself, which is separate from base rate charges, recovers the cost of the natural gas used by customers and is passed directly through to customers dollar for dollar with no markup. Columbia Gas does not profit on that portion of the bill.
The SCC will determine what Columbia Gas’s rates will be. The review process could take an additional year after this filing. Interim rates will not go into effect until the fourth quarter of 2026 and will be subject to refund based on the SCC’s final order. Interested persons can participate in this case or provide written comments to the SCC by following the procedures established by the Commission.
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What is an interim rate?
An interim rate is an amount that is billed for a temporary period of time based on the rates proposed in Columbia Gas’s rate case filing. Interim rates stay in effect until the SCC issues its decision on what Columbia Gas’s new final rates will be.
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At what rate will Columbia Gas bill their customers during this interim period?
During this interim period, the total average monthly natural gas bill for a typical Columbia Gas residential customer who uses 5.1 dekatherms of gas per month would increase by $10.81 per month or by approximately 11.11 percent over current rates.
The actual bill impact is dependent on each customer's actual monthly usage. If the SCC approves a rate change that is less than what Columbia Gas has proposed, then we will refund the difference to customers, with interest.
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What are the customer benefits in this rate request?
Infrastructure and System Upgrades. We are planning and executing a multi-year, system-wide effort to replace outdated systems and implement updated software and other systems to improve the customer experience by ensuring our customers can reach us easily and that the company can continue to respond effectively, consistently and intelligently. Additionally, we are replacing our existing meter reading devices with Advanced Metering Infrastructure as part of our broader efforts to modernize customer-facing technology and enhance service delivery. We remain committed to providing safe, reliable, and efficient natural gas distribution service.
System Reliability. Upgrades to the system with plastic and cathodically protected steel pipe not only maintain safety but also provide an upgraded system design ensuring more reliable service during extreme cold temperatures.
Pipeline Maintenance Enhancements. Sustained and enhanced system maintenance practices will further improve the safe and reliable delivery of natural gas. Columbia Gas is also proposing improvements to reduce the amount of damage done to our distribution facilities by external parties, a high risk to the safety of our system.
Safety Enhancements. In addition to infrastructure replacement projects through the SAVE Plan, Columbia Gas is proposing expanded data verification and collection processes for its pipelines, and improvements for locating and marking gas facilities. These are a few of the many safety initiatives Columbia Gas is proposing that will enhance the safety and reliability of its system.
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When was the last time Columbia Gas asked to adjust its rates?
The most recent base rate adjustment was requested in April 2024. Columbia Gas continues to invest millions of dollars in its distribution system and filing a rate adjustment request with the SCC provides Columbia Gas with the opportunity to earn a fair return on its substantial investment in safety and system reliability.
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Why is Columbia Gas requesting this increase at this time?
Columbia Gas’ number one priority is safely operating and maintaining our pipeline system, meeting or exceeding all federal and state requirements. This base rate request incorporates expenses associated with continuing safety initiatives and technological enhancements.
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What about customers who have trouble paying their bills?
At all times, Columbia Gas is committed to providing our low-income customers with the tools, resources, and programs to stay safe and warm in their homes. These programs help customers mitigate the impact of a rate adjustment or financial changes due to economic conditions.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Columbia Gas serves as a link to federal energy assistance funds which provide help with residential heating costs. These energy grants do not have to be repaid by the customer. Enrollment guidelines, which are revised each new heating season, are based on household size and income. LIHEAP is administered by the Virginia Energy Assistance Program through the Department of Social Services. Learn more by visiting commonhelp.virginia.gov/access/.
Crisis – Emergency Energy Assistance: A component of the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Crisis Emergency Energy Assistance provides funds for customers in emergency situations and who are in danger of losing their heat.
HeatShare: A special heating assistance program funded by our contributions and donations from our caring customers, HeatShare provides grants to low-income residential customers to pay off past-due bills or restore service. Administered by the Dollar Energy Fund, the Columbia Gas HeatShare program is available to eligible customers who have exhausted all other available energy assistance programs.
Age and Income Qualifying Program: Eligible customers can receive supplies to help save energy on water and home heating. Please contact our contract partner Community Housing Partners at 1-888-229-3714.
Expanded Payment Plans: Columbia Gas offers an expanded number of flexible payment plans to help spread the balance due on natural gas bills across multiple months. We’ve made it easy to enroll in our 3-, 6-, 9- or 12-Month Basic Extended Payment Plans by visiting www.columbiagasva.com/paymentplans or by calling us at 1-800-543-8911.
Budget Payment Plan: Available to all Columbia Gas customers, the Budget Payment Plan allows customers to spread annual bills evenly across the year instead of paying account balances each month, helping to eliminate high winter bills.
More information can be found on our website at www.columbiagasva.com/assistance.
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