Economic Benefits
Virginia's Natural Gas Industry Continues to Support Jobs, Investment, and Energy Reliability
Natural gas remains an important part of Virginia's economy, supporting energy production, manufacturing, electric generation, and thousands of jobs across the Commonwealth.
According to the Virginia Department of Energy, more than 8,100 active natural gas wells produced approximately 79.8 billion cubic feet of natural gas in 2025, representing an estimated $181 million in production value. Natural gas supplies more than half of Virginia's electricity generation and continues to play a significant role in the Commonwealth's diverse energy portfolio.
Virginia's natural gas industry supports employment throughout the state—from production and pipeline operations to engineering, manufacturing, environmental services, transportation, and skilled trades. The American Gas Association reports that Virginia's natural gas distribution industry supports more than 15,000 jobs, serves approximately 1.4 million customers, and provides affordable energy for homes and businesses.
"Dickenson County, Virginia has been blessed with abundant natural gas reserves. Dickenson County believes that the natural gas industry is vital to the County's future economic development; the natural gas industry currently offers the County both job opportunities, as well as tax revenues which provide funding for roads, water and sewer projects, and schools - critical infrastructure pieces to any stable and or growing economy. Dickenson County hopes that the natural gas industry continues to expand and prosper within the County."
- Dickenson County Board of Supervisors
In Southwest Virginia, where natural gas production is concentrated, the industry continues to be a significant economic driver. A 2025 independent analysis by Chmura Economics & Analytics estimated that Virginia's natural gas industry generated approximately $772 million in total annual economic output and supported more than 2,300 jobs statewide. Within Southwest Virginia alone, the study found the industry contributed nearly $482 million in economic activity, supported over 1,100 jobs, and generated more than $18 million in annual local tax revenue.
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​​​​​Virginia's natural gas companies are also active community partners, supporting local charities, workforce development initiatives, education programs, and economic development efforts throughout the Commonwealth.
As energy demand continues to grow, particularly from manufacturing, data centers, and population growth, natural gas remains an important component of Virginia's reliable, affordable, and diverse energy supply.
Supporting Local Communities
Natural gas development continues to provide important economic benefits for many rural communities. Local governments receive revenue through severance taxes, property taxes, and related economic activity that helps fund schools, public safety, transportation, water and sewer infrastructure, and other essential public services.