York County energy costs jumped 47% since 2022, expects more on the way
Plus, York board gets update on State limits to developer impact fees; NCSC’s Gavel to Gavel Turns 20; W&M hosting Grateful Dead cover band
York County’s electricity costs have climbed sharply over the past several years as Dominion Energy has sought a series of rate increases from state regulators. According to a July 24, 2026 memorandum from County Administrator Mark L. Bellamy, Jr. to the York County Board of Supervisors, the county’s electric costs have risen by more than $400,000 since 2022, marking an increase of about 47 percent. Bellamy noted that the rise reflects a broader pattern of rate changes affecting both residential and government electricity customers across the region served by Dominion Energy.
“In recent years, Virginia electric users have seen various rate increases. Like residents, local governments are affected by rate changes from energy providers,” he wrote the Board. “Many of these increases result from public policy changes, Dominion Energy capital programs, and extreme weather events. The conflict in the Middle East, state-level changes that returned Virginia to the ‘Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’, and a blistering winter all have compounded Dominion’s requests to increase rate,” the memo states.
The county’s actual electric costs reached $1.4 million in fiscal year 2026, up from just under $1 million in fiscal year 2022, per the administrator’s communication. For fiscal year 2027, officials have budgeted approximately $1.6 million for electric costs, anticipating further increases. As an example, Bellamy pointed out that Dominion Energy has notified the county 17 separate times so far this calendar year about rate petitions or project updates.
To help offset rising costs, York County participates in the Virginia Energy Purchasing Governmental Association, a joint association with the York County School District that negotiates electricity rates on behalf of local governments and school districts. According to the memo, VEPGA anticipated a 24.9 percent rate increase effective July 1, 2026, with an additional increase of at least 12 percent expected to begin July 1, 2027. The memo states that despite this collective bargaining effort, the county ultimately has no control over increases approved by the State Corporation Commission.
The memo also outlines an option some localities use to manage utility costs going forward: localities may choose to hire utility-billing audit firms, which review historical bills, tariffs, and riders to identify potential overcharges. These firms typically work on a contingency basis, charging little or no upfront cost and collecting payment only if they successfully recover overcharges for the locality. The memo does not indicate whether York County has engaged or is considering engaging such a firm.
York County is not alone in confronting these rising costs. According to VPM News, Henrico County warned its agencies of a 25 percent electric rate increase this July, prompting conservation measures, while Richmond is weighing a solar power purchase agreement to curb its own Dominion bills. Both localities, like York County, are VEPGA members facing similarly steep increases tied to rising regional demand and infrastructure costs.
York board updated on state limits over developer impact fees
County Administrator Mark L. Bellamy, Jr. sent another memorandum to the York County Board of Supervisors on July 24, 2026, addressing the Board’s request to research developer impact fees for new single-family and high-density housing. The memo explains such fees could help offset county infrastructure costs tied to growth, including schools, public safety, and libraries, but confirms that Virginia counties generally have no legal authority to impose them under current state code.
The memo traces the issue back to 2008, when the Virginia General Assembly granted narrow authority for Stafford County alone to adopt impact fees, with a since-expired deadline and restrictions written specifically for larger localities that excluded York County then and now. It also notes that staff could add a request for permissive authority to this year’s legislative agenda if the Board chooses, and flags that two bills that would have expanded the ability to levy impact fees were introduced this past session but failed to pass.
In other news:
Government
NCSC’s Gavel to Gavel Turns 20 The National Center for State Courts (Williamsburg) is marking 20 years of its Gavel to Gavel initiative, a legislation-tracking resource launched in 2006 by analyst Bill Raftery after a South Dakota constitutional measure targeted the judiciary. It grew from spreadsheets into a weekly newsletter and searchable database, earning a spot in the ABA Journal’s Blawg 100 Hall of Fame and citations in 50+ academic publications. Current hot topics include judicial security, judicial selection, and specialty courts vs. dockets.
York County Courthouse Electronic Device Policy Since July 1, 2026, visitors to the York County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court have been required to power off personal electronics (phones, laptops, tablets, smartwatches, e-readers) and lock them in provided pouches at security, accessible only to court staff unless a judge authorizes otherwise. Cameras and recording devices (including smart glasses) remain banned without advance written judicial permission. The courthouse is at 300 Ballard Street, Yorktown.
Public Safety
James City County Firearm Safety Classes JCC Police Department is taking registrations for free firearm safety classes Aug. 17 (6–9 PM) and Aug. 29 (9 AM–noon) at the Law Enforcement Center, 4600 Opportunity Way. The classroom-only course covers safe handling/storage and VA concealed-carry law, satisfies the state’s concealed carry training requirement, and includes a certificate and free gun lock. No live firearms are used or should be brought.
York County Disaster Volunteer Recruitment York County Emergency Management is recruiting volunteers ahead of future emergencies through groups like the American Red Cross (Virginia Peninsula), Community Animal Shelter Team, CERT, Medical Reserve Corps, RACES, and VOAD. The county stresses training/planning beforehand and urges residents to first prepare themselves and their households.
Recreation & Events
James City County Parks & Rec August Programs JCC Parks & Recreation released its August lineup: Dive-In Movie at Upper County Park Pool (Aug. 1, 8 PM), Pottery Date Night (Aug. 7), an Extruder Workshop (Aug. 21–22), and free Fitness Court Orientations at Warhill Sports Complex on Saturdays/Tuesdays. Youth camps include Virginia Legacy Soccer (Aug. 3–7), COPs Camp with JCC Police (Aug. 3–7), S.T.E.A.M. Cooking (Aug. 17–20), plus 4-H, basketball, rowing, and outdoor-adventure options. Before/After School Program registration for 2026–27 (ages 5–10) is first-come, first-served at eight WJCC schools; Clara Byrd Baker, Laurel Lane, and Stonehouse are full, and summer 2026 camps are waitlist-only. Register online or at 757-259-4200; brochure available at jamescitycountyva.gov/recreation.
Yorktown Sounds of Summer: Remaining Concert Lineup Yorktown’s free Sounds of Summer concert series continues on Thursdays from 6:30–9:00 PM through late August. Upcoming shows include The Nashville Nights Band on July 30, 10 Spot on August 6, Slapnation on August 13, Band of Oz on August 20, and The Deloreans closing out the series on August 27. All concerts are free and open to the public; event weather updates are available at 757-890-3520 or visityorktown.org.
Dark Star Orchestra to Perform at William & Mary W&M News reported that Grateful Dead cover band Dark Star Orchestra will perform at the schools’ Briggs Amphitheatre on September 26. The article also gives a detailed look at both bands’ history in Williamsburg.
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