How Dominion Energy Works in South Carolina
Dominion Energy is the main electricity supplier for most of South Carolina
Dominion Energy operates as the primary electric utility serving the majority of South Carolina, including the Midlands, Lowcountry, and parts of the Upstate. If you live in Columbia, Charleston, or the surrounding regions, Dominion Energy is likely your electricity provider — meaning they own the power lines running to your home, read your meter, and send your bill.
Unlike choosing between internet providers, you cannot switch away from Dominion Energy based on price or preference. The company holds a monopoly in its service territory, regulated by the South Carolina Public Service Commission. What you can do is understand how your bill works, what programs might lower your costs, and how to report problems or request service changes.
Key Takeaways
- Dominion Energy serves most of South Carolina's populated areas, and you cannot choose a different electricity provider in your area.
- Your bill includes the cost of power, delivery charges, taxes, and sometimes fuel adjustment fees that change monthly.
- Dominion Energy offers budget billing, time-of-use rates, and assistance programs for customers with low income or medical needs.
- Contact Dominion Energy directly to report outages, request service changes, or ask about programs that may reduce your bill.
- The South Carolina Public Service Commission handles complaints about rates, billing disputes, and service quality if you cannot resolve them with Dominion Energy.
What is included in your Dominion Energy bill
Your monthly bill breaks down into several parts. The largest is usually the energy charge, which is the actual cost of the electricity you used, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Dominion Energy also charges a customer charge — a fixed monthly fee just for being connected to the system — and a delivery charge for maintaining the poles, wires, and equipment that bring power to your home.
Many bills also include a fuel adjustment clause, which rises and falls based on the cost of coal, natural gas, and other fuels Dominion Energy uses to generate power. This charge can shift significantly from month to month. Taxes and any riders (special charges for specific programs or infrastructure) appear as separate line items. If you use more electricity during peak hours — typically late afternoon and early evening in summer — you may pay a higher rate for that portion under a time-of-use plan.
Your bill will also show your current balance, any past-due amount, and the due date. If you pay by the due date, you avoid a late fee. Dominion Energy sends bills monthly, though the exact date depends on when your meter is read.
Programs that may reduce your electricity costs
Budget billing lets you pay the same amount each month instead of facing spikes in summer or winter. Dominion Energy calculates an average based on your previous year's usage and adjusts it annually. This makes budgeting easier, though you may owe a balance if your actual usage exceeds the estimate.
Time-of-use rates charge lower rates during off-peak hours (typically late evening and early morning) and higher rates during peak hours. If you can shift electricity use — running the dishwasher or laundry at night, for example — this plan may lower your bill. Ask Dominion Energy whether this rate structure is available in your area.
Dominion Energy also offers programs for customers with medical needs and those with low income. The medical assistance program may provide bill credits or protection from disconnection if you have a condition requiring electricity-dependent equipment. Low-income programs vary but may include bill assistance, weatherization services, or referrals to community resources. Contact Dominion Energy directly to learn what programs you may be able to explore in your situation.
How to report an outage or request service changes
If your power goes out, call Dominion Energy's outage line at 1-866-OUTAGE-1 (1-866-688-2431) or report it through their website. Have your account number ready. The automated system will confirm the outage and give you an estimated restoration time. During major storms, wait times can be long; the website often updates faster than phone lines.
For non-emergency requests — moving service to a new address, adding a second meter, or scheduling a service visit — contact Dominion Energy's customer service at 1-866-DOMINION (1-866-366-4646). You can also manage your account online through their website, where you can view your bill, make payments, and report issues.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak (Dominion Energy also supplies natural gas in some areas), call 1-877-CALL-DEC (1-877-225-5332) immediately. Do not use electrical switches or create sparks; leave the building and call from outside.
Understanding your meter and reading
Dominion Energy reads your electric meter monthly to measure how much power you used. The meter shows kilowatt-hours (kWh) — the standard unit for billing. Most meters are read by a technician who visits your property, though Dominion Energy is gradually installing smart meters that transmit readings automatically.
You can read your own meter to check usage between billing cycles. The display shows a series of numbers; write down the reading and subtract the previous month's reading to find how many kWh you used. If a reading seems unusually high, check for appliances running constantly, air conditioning or heating use, or a possible leak in an electric water heater. Contact Dominion Energy if you believe the meter is faulty; they can test it at no charge if it is within warranty, or charge a fee if it is working correctly.
What to do if you have a billing dispute or complaint
If your bill seems wrong, contact Dominion Energy's customer service first. Bring your account number and the bill in question. Explain what you believe is incorrect — whether it is a calculation error, an unexpected charge, or a meter reading that does not match your usage. Dominion Energy will review the account and either correct the bill or explain the charge.
If you disagree with Dominion Energy's response or believe you have been treated unfairly, you can file a complaint with the South Carolina Public Service Commission. The PSC regulates all utilities in the state and investigates disputes over rates, billing, service quality, and disconnections. You can file a complaint online at the PSC website, by mail, or by phone. Include your account number, a description of the problem, and copies of relevant documents. The PSC will contact Dominion Energy and work toward a resolution.
How Dominion Energy's service territory is regulated
Dominion Energy operates under a monopoly granted by South Carolina law, meaning the company is the sole provider in its service area but is heavily regulated in return. The South Carolina Public Service Commission reviews and approves rate changes, oversees service standards, and ensures the company maintains reliable infrastructure.
When Dominion Energy requests a rate increase, the PSC holds public hearings where customers and advocacy groups can testify. The PSC examines the company's costs, profits, and service quality before deciding whether to grant, deny, or modify the request. This process protects consumers from arbitrary price hikes but also means rates can rise if the PSC determines the increase is justified.
Dominion Energy must also meet reliability standards set by the PSC and federal regulators. If outages become frequent or last too long, the company can face penalties. You can report service quality issues to the PSC, which tracks complaints and uses them to evaluate the company's performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I switch to a different electricity provider in South Carolina?
No. Dominion Energy holds a monopoly in its service territory, and South Carolina does not have a deregulated electricity market. You cannot choose a different supplier based on price or preference. However, you can explore programs through Dominion Energy that may lower your bill, such as budget billing or time-of-use rates.
Why did my bill spike in summer or winter?
Heating and cooling account for the largest share of most households' electricity use. Summer air conditioning and winter heating can double or triple your bill compared to mild months. If you are on budget billing, your monthly payment stays the same, but you may owe a balance at year's end if usage was higher than expected.
What happens if I cannot pay my bill?
Contact Dominion Energy before your bill becomes past due. The company offers payment plans and may refer you to community assistance programs. If you have a medical condition requiring electricity-dependent equipment, you may be protected from disconnection. The South Carolina Department of Social Services also administers energy assistance programs for low-income households.
How do I report a downed power line or electrical hazard?
Call Dominion Energy's outage line at 1-866-OUTAGE-1 (1-866-688-2431) or their main customer service line. Do not touch a downed line or assume it is safe because it is not sparking. Stay at least 10 feet away and warn others to do the same.
Can I install solar panels and sell power back to Dominion Energy?
Yes. Dominion Energy offers net metering, which allows you to send excess solar power back to the grid and receive a credit on your bill. The terms and rates vary, so contact Dominion Energy or a solar installer to understand how the program works and whether it makes financial sense for your situation.