Slight rate increases expected for BVU customers after TVA approves hike

BRISTOL, Va. (WJHL) — After a 5.25% base rate increase was approved by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), Bristol Virginia Utility (BVU) customers are expected to see a slight change in rates.

BVU Customer Operations and I.T. Director Christopher Hall told News Channel 11 that most customers will see a dollar or less per week on the monthly increase.

“This particular rate increase, while it is going to result in probably a dollar or less per week on the monthly increase for our customers, we’re obviously sensitive to any rate change no matter what the size,” Hall said. “And so BVU, back in 2017, we actually started reducing our local revenue requirements and have implemented seven rate reductions to make sure that our power costs are the lowest in Virginia.”

Hall said the rate increase customers will see ultimately depends on usage.

“This particular rate increase is going to be applied on the power cost components within our rate structure,” Hall said. “So it is a variable change that could impact customers differently based on their volumetric usage.”

Customers who use slightly more electricity than average could expect an increase of 3.8%, whereas customers on the lower end of the scale could expect about 3.1%, according to Hall.

Hall said BVU partners with local organizations to help those needing power bill assistance.

“We partner with local nonprofit organizations, specifically Bristol Faith in Action, as well as Salvation Army are available to assist customers in the local area,” Hall said. “There are a number of other nonprofits that we work with and we’re happy to provide a list of those to customers if they reach out to our customer service department.”

Anyone with questions is asked to contact BVU’s customer service by calling 276-669-4112 or on its website .

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