WASHINGTON (7News) — Families across the D.C. region are seeing higher utility bills this winter, as gas and electric rate hikes approved by regulators take effect — sparking criticism from local leaders and concern from residents already feeling the squeeze.

In D.C., Washington Gas customers are now paying about 13% more on their bills. The increase has triggered renewed debate at the D.C. Council, where critics argue the utility’s strategy of full pipeline replacements — rather than targeted repairs — is driving costs higher than necessary.

Council members and consumer advocates said those costs are being passed along to residents least able to absorb them, particularly low-income households already struggling with rising prices for food, rent, and other essentials.

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Across the Potomac River in Prince William County, Virginia, electric customers are also facing higher bills.

State regulators approved phased rate increases for Dominion Energy in late 2025 — less than what the company initially requested — citing inflation and the rising cost of maintaining and upgrading the electric grid. The changes are expected to add roughly $11 more per month this year, with an additional increase planned for 2027.

Dominion Energy spokesperson Aisha Khan said the utility is facing mounting demand and higher infrastructure costs, including utility poles, wires, and transformers — but emphasized that large power users will now shoulder more of the burden.

“Now the commission also approved new customer rates to reflect inflationary pressures and increasing costs of grid equipment,” Khan said. “But I want to make it clear that data centers are not driving up residential bills. Independent state studies have confirmed that these data centers pay the full cost of their power.”

Under the new structure, regulators created a separate rate class requiring large users — including data centers — to pay higher rates than typical households.

Still, some residents say the increases are already taking a toll.

Janice Howard, a single mother from Woodbridge, says her most recent electric bill jumped nearly $150, despite no change in her family’s daily routine.

“It is $317,” Howard said. “I’m a single mom who works 50 hours a week with a five-year-old. We’re barely home. I don’t understand why my bill jumped up almost $150 when we’re doing absolutely the same thing.”

Dominion Energy maintains the increases are necessary to keep up with demand and maintain reliability, but says customers are not paying the full cost alone — pointing to the higher rates now required of large commercial users.

Local leaders said the debate is far from over, and questions remain about whether future relief could be on the way for households facing rising utility costs.

If you need help paying your bills:

• D.C. residents can find utility bill assistance programs, discounts, and resources through the District’s Department of Energy & Environment, including income-based help with energy costs and utility discounts. Washington Gas — Energy assistance information can be found here
• Dominion Energy customers in Virginia can find billing support, payment arrangements, and energy assistance resources (including EnergyShare) at Dominion Energy Billing & Assistance Programs and EnergyShare Assistance Program Info here.