Virginia

Inertia serves Virginia for commercial electricity, natural gas, and solar services as a third-party distributer.

Virginia has not fully deregulated its electricity and natural gas markets, but the state has taken steps toward increased competition in these industries.

In 1999, the Virginia General Assembly passed the Virginia Electric Utility Restructuring Act, which created a limited form of competition in the electricity market. The act allowed certain large industrial customers to purchase electricity from alternative suppliers, while residential and small business customers remained under the regulated monopoly of Dominion Energy, the state's largest utility company.
Since then, the Virginia State Corporation Commission has authorized the entry of several alternative retail electric providers (AREPs) into the market. These companies are allowed to offer fixed-price contracts and renewable energy options to residential and small business customers, but Dominion Energy remains the dominant supplier in the state.
In 2018, Virginia passed the Grid Transformation and Security Act, which aims to increase renewable energy generation in the state and encourage the development of a competitive market for distributed energy resources (DERs). The act requires Dominion Energy to invest in renewable energy and energy efficiency programs and allows third-party companies to offer DERs to customers.

In the natural gas market, Virginia has not fully deregulated, but the state has taken steps to encourage competition. In 2013, the Virginia Natural Gas Competition Act was passed, which allows non-residential customers to purchase natural gas from alternative suppliers. Residential customers, however, still receive their gas from their local utility company.
Despite these steps toward increased competition, Virginia's electricity and natural gas markets remain largely regulated. Critics argue that this limits choice and innovation in the industry and can lead to higher prices for consumers. However, supporters of regulation argue that it ensures reliable and affordable energy for all customers, especially in times of high demand or emergencies.
In conclusion, Virginia has taken some steps toward increased competition in its electricity and natural gas markets, but it has not fully deregulated. The state's largest utility company, Dominion Energy, remains the dominant supplier, but alternative retail electric providers and distributed energy resource companies are beginning to enter the market. The debate over regulation versus deregulation in these industries is ongoing in Virginia and throughout the country.

Contact us for more information to get set up for cheaper energy you can manage your way!