RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — Dominion Energy customers could see their monthly electric bills climb by more than $100 over the next two decades as the company prepares for growing electricity demand across Virginia. Dominion’s latest Integrated Resource Plan outlines its long-term strategy for meetin g Virginia’s future energy needs, including plans to expand its power generation as demand continues to grow. According to the report, the average residential customer currently pays about $180 per month for 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity. By 2046, the company projects that bill could increase to more than $280. That's a roughly 57% increase. However, a separate calculation required by the State Corporation Commission (SCC) projects an even steeper increase, estimating electric bills could rise by about 150% over the same period. Dominion calls the SCC’s calculation “overstated,” arguing that it does not account for anticipated growth in electricity sales. The company points to several factors driving Virginia’s increasing energy needs, including the rapid expansion of data centers, population growth, electric vehicle adoption and new manufacturing facilities. To keep up with that demand, Dominion plans to add more than 39 gigawatts of new electricity generation over the next 20 years. The proposed additions include approximately 21 gigawatts of solar energy, nearly 9 gigawatts of natural gas, as well as additional wind, energy storage and nuclear power. The company’s plans also raise questions about how Virginia will meet its long-term clean energy requirements. Under state law, Dominion is required to transition to 100% carbon-free electricity by 2045. However, the company’s latest plan does not meet that target. According to the report, Dominion says keeping some fossil fuel plants operating is necessary to maintain a reliable electricity supply as demand increases. The company plans to seek an exception in the law that allows fossil fuel generation when needed to ensure reliability. The projected bill increases outlined in the report are not approved rate increases. The filing is an update to Dominion’s long-term energy plan and is currently under review by the SCC. Dominion’s full plan is expected to be released next October. ...read more read less