To understand your energy bill, you will need to understand the following terms. Other energy choice terms are listed in the glossary.
Electricity or Natural Gas Supply Service
For electricity customers, this is the charge for the generation and transmission of electricity. For natural gas customers, this is the charge for the procurement and transportation of natural gas. This is the service for which you can shop, and the price may vary depending on which supplier you choose.
Distribution Service
The charge for the delivery of electricity or natural gas to your home or business through the wires or pipes of your local distribution company at a regulated rate approved by the State Corporation Commission.
Competitive Transition Charge
This charge may apply to electricity customers who choose a competitive service provider. During the transition to competition, state law permits this charge to give the local distribution company the opportunity to recover past investments (i.e., power plants) it made to serve all customers.
State and Local Consumption Taxes
Taxes based on energy consumption by customers.
Local (or Locality Name) Utility Tax
A tax imposed on energy services by local ordinance.
Price to Compare
Price to compare information may appear on your monthly bill. It is a benchmark to help you compare what you currently pay for electricity or natural gas supply service with any competitive offers that you receive. For some customers, the price to compare is an annual average for a typical customer. If it does not appear on your bill, contact your local distribution company for your individual price to compare.
For additional information, please call Virginia Energy Choice toll-free at 1-877-YES2004, e-mail Virginia Energy Choice, or write Virginia Energy Choice c/o State Corporation Commission, P.O. Box 1197, Richmond, Virginia 23218.