To fund enhancing operations and services, Dominion Virginia Power will raise rates starting Jan. 1. The increase in rates will cover the cost of building two new power plants in Wise County and Buckingham County, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Most homeowners will see an increase of just under $3 a month.

"A typical Dominion Virginia Power residential customer's bill will go up by $2.98 a month in January to cover the cost of building two power plants, under a tentative agreement between the utility and state regulators.

Dominion Virginia Power subscribers will see the additional costs to construct the Virginia City power station in Wise County and the Bear Garden plant in Buckingham County in their bills starting Jan. 1.

The proposed agreement reached yesterday between the electric company and the State Corporation Commission staff, however, pared 20 cents off the utility's original rate increase for average residential customers.

'We are pleased that we could reach agreement with the commission staff' on the proposed rates to cover the cost of the power stations, Dominion Virginia Power spokesman Chet Wade said."

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