What is the Interruptible Electric Water Heater Service Program?

Participation in this program, also known as Rider J, gives Dominion Energy permission to interrupt service to water heaters during times when demand on the company’s system is highest (for example, hottest days in summer and coldest days in winter). In exchange, Dominion Energy provides a monthly bill credit of $3.78.

Why is Dominion Energy discontinuing this program?

For more than 20 years, Dominion Energy has not actively interrupted the service to water heaters under this program. On November 18, 2021, the Virginia State Corporation Commission approved Dominion Energy’s request to end Rider J.

Therefore, effective January 1, 2022, Rider J will be withdrawn. Customers enrolled in Rider J will be removed from this program and will no longer receive a monthly credit of $3.78.

Why did I get this letter?

This letter is a notification of the removal of the Rider J credit.

What if my device has already been deactivated?

If your device has already been deactivated, no action is required.

How do I know if I still have a Water Heater Control Device?

Customers that still have a water heater device will receive a separate letter with detailed instructions on how to schedule an appointment to have the device deactivated at no cost.

Now that the credit is no longer available, what will happen to the water heater control device?

Dominion Energy began to proactively deactivate devices that remained in customer homes April 2020. If your device is already deactivated there is no action required.  Customers that still have work orders for the deactivation will be notified via a separate letter.

I still have a Water Heater Control Device Box at my house, does this mean I still have a device?

Not necessarily. Once our licensed electricians audit and deactivate the device, the exterior box is left in place to prevent any exposed wires or holes in the wall.