Plugged In

A solid, dependable system of utilities ensures Portsmouth's businesses have access to the crucial services of power, communications, water and water treatment. In addition, rates compare favorably with those of similar municipalities.

Electricity

• Served by Dominion Virginia Power

Non-Utility Generators

• Cogentrix Energy, Inc. of Portsmouth's 115-megawatt facility provides steam to BASF, a chemical manufacturer in Portsmouth

• Through its waste-to-energy system, the Southeastern Public Service Authority's (SPSA) Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) Plant and Power Plant, recycle 2,000 tons of waste per day to create steam and electricity for the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth. Excess electricity is sold to Dominion Virginia Power

Natural Gas

• Served by Columbia Gas of Virginia

Water

• City – owned and operated
• Total reservoir capacity: 5.15 billion gallons
• Treatment plan capacity: 32 million gallons per day (MGD)
• Average consumption: 18.5 MGD
• Maximum safe yield of the supply: 25.8 MGD

Sewer Treatment

• Municipal system provides sewage collection and conveyance to the regional Hampton Roads Sanitation District, which provides sewage treatment

Solid Waste Disposal

• Municipal system provides collection and conveyance to the regional Southeastern Public Service Authority for disposal. Services include regional landfill disposal and recycling

Telecommunications

Portsmouth's main roads, industrial parks and commercial sites are easily accessible to Portsmouth's fiber network

• Local service provided by major carriers including Cavalier Telephone, Cox Communications, KMC Telecom and Verizon
• Long distance service provided by major carriers including AT&T, MCI and Sprint
• Cellular and digital services offered by carriers including Alltel, Nextel, NTELOS, Sprint PCS, SunCom, Verizon
• Local Internet providers: Over 25 serve the region including: Cox Communications, Exis.net, Verizon, Continental VisiNet and Widomaker Communications