RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 31, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Since Dominion's EnergyShare Program was dramatically expanded in 2015, literally thousands of Virginians in need are getting help with energy bills and making their homes more energy efficient.

"This expanded program was put in place at the request of Gov. McAuliffe as part of the development of a major state energy bill," said Robert M. Blue, president and CEO of Dominion Virginia Power.  "We're extremely happy that working with our state partners, non-profit agencies and volunteers we've been able to provide so much direct energy assistance to those in Virginia who really need it."

Since EnergyShare was founded by the company in 1982, more than 780,000 Virginians in need have received help with their energy bills, regardless of the type of energy used.

The expanded program was launched on Sept. 1, 2015 with a commitment of $57 million over five years from Dominion.  Major new elements included free home weatherization, a special focus on veterans and those with disabilities, and reaching out to vastly more Virginians with energy education and awareness of the program.

The results to date are impressive:

1. Total assistance -- 32,728 families, including 20,079 with energy bill payment assistance and more than 12,600 homes weatherized at no cost to recipients
2. Outreach effort – 178,222 people attended 315 energy and conservation informational events throughout the company service area
3. Special focus – More than 2,450 veterans and individuals with disabilities assisted
4. Volunteering – Dominion employees volunteered hundreds of hours to assist EnergyShare recipients with weatherization and energy information in 2016

"Engagement with the communities we serve is just part of who we are," Blue said. "We have a responsibility to provide affordable, reliable energy to our customers but sometimes they might find themselves in crisis.  EnergyShare is a key way we try to help, and we thank our customers, employees and business partners for their support."

EnergyShare is a program of last resort to help eligible residents facing financial hardship pay heating or cooling bills when all other forms of assistance have been exhausted. Every cent donated by customers, employees or others goes directly to helping those in need.

Electric customer clients qualifying for weatherization receive an energy audit from a qualified vendor. Afterwards, depending on the need, the following can be installed:

• High efficiency LED light bulbs
• Attic insulation and air sealing
• High efficiency central furnace fan motors
• Heat pump/AC tune up
• Water heater pipe wrap
• Low- flow showerheads and faucet aerators

In some cases, EnergyShare goes beyond energy savings to make homes safer for residents. Some homes require health and safety measures to be installed alongside energy efficiency upgrades. In those homes, EnergyShare covers the cost of measures such as carbon monoxide detectors, electric and mechanical repairs, air quality and biological corrections and roof repairs.

Virginia residents can call 2-1-1 for EnergyShare assistance or referrals to health and human services resources. For more information about weatherization, call 1-888-366-8280. For details on donating or applying for EnergyShare, visit www.dom.com/EnergyShare.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy. Dominion provides energy or products and services to more than 6 million customers. It has a portfolio of approximately 26,400 megawatts of generation, including more than 1,600 megawatts of renewable generating capacity, and 6,600 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion also operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 1 trillion cubic feet of storage capacity. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

SOURCE Dominion