Dominion Energy Utility Authorization Program
- Coastal Group Inc
- Jun 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Coastal Group offering this program?
Managing utility accounts during tenant move-outs and move-ins can be surprisingly complicated. Utility bills are often sent to vacant properties, former tenants, or incorrect mailing addresses. Final bills can be missed, resulting in late fees, collection notices, or service interruptions.
This program allows Coastal Group to work directly with Dominion Energy to help manage utility accounts and maintain continuity of service when needed.
How does Revert-to-Owner work?
When a tenant disconnects electrical service, Dominion Energy can automatically transfer the account to the owner or authorized property manager rather than disconnecting service.
This helps ensure that electricity remains available for:
Property inspections
Cleaning and repairs
Showings and leasing activities
Safety and security systems
House-meter and common-area service
The property owner remains responsible for utility charges incurred during these periods.
What is the $500 reserve for?
Owners participating in the program agree to maintain a minimum reserve balance of $500 in their property management account.
The reserve may be used for:
Vacancy utility charges
House-meter and common-area utility expenses
Emergency maintenance
Other authorized property-related expenses
Any utility expenses paid on behalf of the property will be reflected on the owner's monthly statement.
How are utility bills charged?
Utility charges remain the responsibility of the property owner.
When Coastal Group receives utility billing information, charges are posted to the property's accounting ledger and paid through the normal property management process. Owners will see these expenses on their monthly statements.
Can I cancel the authorization?
Yes.
Participation is voluntary. Owners may revoke their Dominion Energy authorization at any time by providing written notice to Coastal Group and Dominion Energy.
The Dominion authorization is initially established for a three-year term to reduce paperwork and administrative processing.
What properties qualify?
The program may be used for:
Single-family homes
Condominiums
Townhomes
Duplexes and multi-family properties
Commercial properties
Properties with common-area or house-meter accounts
Participation is subject to Dominion Energy's approval and account requirements.
What is a house-meter account?
A house-meter account is an electric account that serves areas not occupied by a tenant.
Examples include:
Hallway and stairwell lighting
Exterior lighting
Parking lot lighting
Sign lighting
Irrigation systems
Laundry rooms
Common areas
Utility rooms
These accounts typically remain active year-round and are generally paid by the property owner.
How does this help owners?
Benefits may include:
Reduced risk of service interruptions
Better oversight of utility expenses
Fewer missed final bills
Faster property turnover preparation
Improved communication with Dominion Energy
Simplified utility administration
Common Questions
Does this increase my utility costs?No. Owners remain responsible only for actual utility usage associated with their property.
Does Coastal Group become the owner of the utility account?No. Coastal Group acts as an authorized representative for utility management purposes.
Can a new tenant still place utilities in their own name?Yes. The authorization does not change the tenant's responsibility to establish utility service when required under the lease.
What happens when a tenant moves out?If applicable, service may automatically transfer to the owner/property management account rather than being disconnected.
Will I still receive information about utility expenses?Yes. Utility charges will continue to appear on your owner statements and accounting reports.
If you have additional questions, please contact Coastal Group Inc. at 757-233-9595.
Why We Recommend Participation
After managing thousands of tenant move-ins and move-outs over the years, we have found that utility transfers are one of the most common sources of missed bills, delayed notices, and administrative confusion. This program is designed to create a more reliable and efficient process for owners, tenants, Dominion Energy, and Coastal Group.
Utility service is one of the small details that can create large problems during a tenant move-out, vacancy, repair period, or new move-in.
At Coastal Group Inc., we have managed thousands of tenant transitions over the years. One recurring issue is that electric bills, final notices, and account changes do not always reach the right person at the right time. Bills may be sent to a vacant property, a former tenant, or an outdated mailing address. When that happens, owners can face late fees, collection notices, delayed repairs, or even interrupted service.
That is why Coastal Group recommends participation in Dominion Energy’s utility authorization and Revert-to-Owner process when available.
Why This Matters Now
Dominion Energy and NextEra Energy have announced a proposed merger/acquisition transaction that remains subject to approval. Dominion has stated that customers do not need to take action at this time and that Dominion’s local service and name are expected to continue.
Even so, whenever a major utility is involved in a large corporate transition, good records and clear account authorization become even more important. Coastal Group’s goal is simple: keep owner accounts organized, keep properties protected, and reduce the chance that utility issues fall through the cracks during vacancies or tenant changes.
What Is Revert-to-Owner?
Revert-to-Owner allows electric service to transfer automatically to the owner or authorized property manager when a tenant disconnects service, instead of the power simply being shut off.
This can be very important during turnover. Electricity may be needed for:
Move-out inspections
Cleaning and repairs
HVAC operation
Security systems
Showings and leasing activity
Common-area lighting
House-meter accounts
Safety and maintenance access
The property owner remains responsible for utility charges during any period when service is in the owner’s name or authorized management account.
Why Coastal Group Offers This Program
Utility administration is not complicated because of any one bill. It becomes complicated because tenant move-outs, tenant move-ins, final readings, vacant properties, repairs, and mailing delays all happen at the same time.
This program allows Coastal Group to work directly with Dominion Energy as the owner’s authorized representative when needed. That helps us identify account issues sooner, coordinate service during vacancies, and reduce avoidable interruptions.
For owners, the practical benefit is better continuity and fewer surprises.
What Is the $500 Reserve For?
Owners participating in this program agree to maintain a minimum $500 reserve in their property management account.
That reserve may be used for:
Vacancy utility charges
Final electric bills
House-meter or common-area electric accounts
Emergency maintenance
Other authorized property-related expenses
Any utility expense paid on behalf of the property is posted to the owner’s ledger and appears on the monthly owner statement.
What Types of Properties May Benefit?
The program may be useful for:
Single-family homes
Condominiums
Townhomes
Duplexes
Multi-family properties
Commercial properties
Properties with common-area electric service
Properties with house-meter accounts
Participation is subject to Dominion Energy’s approval, program requirements, and account rules.
What Is a House-Meter Account?
A house-meter account serves areas that are not part of a tenant’s individual leased space.
Common examples include:
Hallway lighting
Stairwell lighting
Exterior lights
Parking lot lights
Sign lighting
Irrigation systems
Laundry rooms
Utility rooms
Shared common areas
These accounts often remain active year-round and are usually the owner’s responsibility.
How Utility Charges Are Handled
Utility charges remain the responsibility of the property owner.
When Coastal Group receives billing information, the charge is posted to the property’s accounting ledger and paid through the normal property management process. Owners can review those expenses on their monthly statements and accounting reports.
Coastal Group does not become the owner of the utility account. We act only as an authorized representative for utility management purposes.
Can a Tenant Still Put Utilities in Their Own Name?
Yes.
The authorization does not change the tenant’s responsibility to establish utility service when required by the lease. When a new tenant moves in, the tenant is still expected to place the required utilities in their name according to the lease terms.
The Revert-to-Owner process is mainly designed to protect the property during gaps between tenants.
Can an Owner Cancel the Authorization?
Yes.
Participation is voluntary. Owners may revoke their Dominion Energy authorization by providing written notice to Coastal Group and Dominion Energy.
The authorization is typically established for a multi-year period to reduce repeated paperwork and administrative delays.
Why We Recommend Participation
For many rental properties, utility problems do not show up until the worst possible time: a move-out, a repair delay, a cold-weather vacancy, or a rushed turnover before a new tenant takes possession.
The Dominion Energy Utility Authorization Program helps create a more reliable process for owners, tenants, Dominion Energy, and Coastal Group.
The benefits may include:
Reduced risk of service interruption
Better oversight of utility expenses
Fewer missed final bills
Faster turnover preparation
Improved communication with Dominion Energy
Better protection during vacancies
Simpler utility administration
Coastal Group Inc. recommends this program as a practical risk-management step for rental property owners.
For questions about enrollment or authorization, please contact Coastal Group Inc. at 757-233-9595.
