Utilities
Region 2000 has numerous cost-effective utility services serving industries, commerce, and residents. Significant capacities and distribution systems are available for basic utilities including water, sewer, electricity, natural gas, and the latest in telecommunications.
Electricity
The area is served by five electric utilities providing some of the most competitive electric rates in the nation. The area can offer industrial and commercial rates at half the cost of those in the Northeast and Midwest. Appalachian Power and Dominion Virginia Power are the two primary electric utilities serving most of the region.
How Regional Industrial Electric Rates Stack Up
Cost examples are for 1,000 Kw demand and 400,000 Kwh per month
Source: Edison Electric Institute, January 2004
Natural Gas
Columbia Gas of Virginia has the franchise to serve all of Region 2000. The company is supplied by two major natural gas pipelines (Transco and Columbia) and offers firm, interruptible, and transportation services to industrial, commercial, and residential customers.
Water and Sewer
Each community provides complete water and sewer service to its customers. Rates are available from each locality.
Landfill
Each locality operates its own public landfill. Each has adequate capacity and accepts non-hazardous industrial, commercial, and residential waste. Hauling of industrial waste is provided by private companies.
Communications
Region 2000 is served by numerous telecommunication providers and a unique fiber optic network that includes SONET self-healing rings, digital switching capabilities and access to long-distance carriers. This network supports voice, video, and data communications.
Long Haul Fiber Optic Routes in Virginia
Regional Telecommunications Providers
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Cable
Each community offers cable TV services that include local access, basic and premium channels and pay-per-view. Cable providers are now completing their conversion to fiber optics, offering reliable data, video, and voice communications.
Taxes
The tax rates of Virginia are historically low, and local rates compare favorably with other communities statewide. Each city, town, and county sets its own rates, and does not levy income taxes or set special taxing districts within a jurisdiction. (Click to download a PDF of the Region 2000 Tax & Fee Schedule Brochure [Adobe Acrobat, 161kb]).