Confirm eligibility first. Virginia retail electricity choice has statutory limitations, including demand thresholds and defined exceptions. Do not assume a typical small commercial property can switch suppliers.
Property energy guide: Virginia
This guide helps commercial property owners and managers prepare an account-specific energy decision in Virginia. Start with the utility and account documents; the location label alone does not establish available offers.
Planning a Virginia property portfolio
Review actual demand, utility status and the legal pathway with the SCC and qualified advisers. An aggregation or renewable-related exception has its own conditions. Supplier licensing alone does not prove that a particular customer is eligible, and gas choice is a separate question.
Electricity and gas need separate eligibility checks
Document the utility, delivery class and existing supply provider for each commodity. An electric supplier-choice rule does not establish natural gas choice or transport eligibility. Use current account information and the relevant utility’s requirements before requesting an offer.
Compare the costs you actually control
Use the same monthly consumption, start date and included charges for each supplier proposal. Separate electricity supply from utility delivery, billed demand, taxes and fees. A fixed energy price may leave pass-through items exposed. Review volume tolerance, automatic renewal, notice deadlines and early termination before signing.
What to prepare for a property review
- Recent bills and monthly usage history for each meter.
- Utility, tariff class, account holder and service address.
- Existing supplier contract, expiration date and notice requirements.
- Lease reimbursement provisions and planned occupancy or equipment changes.
- Authorized signatory and any account-data consent needed for analysis.
Who retains the savings?
Compare owner-paid costs after tenant recovery. Common-area savings may affect the owner differently from a tenant’s separate meter or reimbursed expense. Distinguish an estimated supply difference from measured savings. No percentage reduction or supplier offer is guaranteed.
Compare entered contract costs or request an eligibility and property energy review. Confirm applicable supplier and broker registrations before a procurement engagement.
Primary sources
Reviewed October 12, 2026. Program rules, tariffs and financing terms should be checked again before a transaction.