Virginia county asks employees to ‘turn off’ lights as electricity rates jump 25%

Published July 1, 2026 11:23am ET | Updated July 1, 2026 11:23am ET



A Virginia county, which contains 37 operating data centers and has plans to build at least 17 more, recently asked teachers and other county employees to start switching off their lights as the area’s electricity rates jump 25%, starting Wednesday.

The increase in electricity costs for Henrico County government and school buildings will add an estimated $5 million in county expenses in the new fiscal year, according to a June 26 email written by County Manager John Vithoulkas. Henrico County anticipates “more rate increases for electricity in the years ahead,” he said.

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