Virginia Electricity Prices Below National Average

Virginians grumbling about their electric bills may find comfort in thinking it could always be worse: Virginia residents pay below the national average rate for power.

USA Today reports that electricity bills have increased dramatically in the last five years, and that 2010 was the fifth year in a row that electricity prices rose above the rate of inflation.

According to an interactive map on USA Today’s website, Virginia’s average cents paid per kilowatt hour in 2010 was 10.45. That’s up from 8.93 cents per kilowatt hour in 2009, according to numbers from the Energy Information Administration.

The national average in 2010 was 11.54 cents per kilowatt hour, compared to 9.83 cents in 2009.

Winterizing Your Home

Dominion Power has a few tips for how to make your home cozier during these cold months while also increasing its energy effeciency.

• Replace or clean filters of forced air furnaces monthly.
• Have your heating system inspected annually by a qualified professional.
• Make sure you are not losing heated air through loose or faulty connections in your home's ductwork.
• Seal windows and doors with weather stripping or caulk.