RICHMOND, Va. – Applications are now being accepted for EnergyShare, Dominion’s heating-assistance program aimed at helping individuals and families in need stay warm during the cold winter months.

Most administering agencies are accepting applications.  Salvation Army agencies began accepting applications Jan. 2.

EnergyShare, which is supported by donations from Dominion customers and its employees, is designed to help those in need heat their homes after all other assistance has been exhausted.  Payments go directly to the energy vendor on behalf of the recipient.

Administering agencies will help individuals determine if they qualify.  To qualify for EnergyShare assistance, a person must live in Dominion’s service area and be in danger of losing an important heat source.  The recipient must have a household income no more than one-half of the local median income level, be unemployed, or demonstrate a personal or family crisis.  To ensure the widest possible distribution of assistance, eligible persons can receive only one payment of up to $500 per heating season.

Because Dominion and the agencies pay the administrative costs, every dollar contributed to EnergyShare goes to pay heating bills.  The funds can be used for any type of heat — oil, coal, wood, kerosene, natural gas or electricity. For information on the nearest screening agency, call 1-888-667-3000.

Donations totaled more than $1.7 million last winter. More than 6,600 families were helped. The program has raised more than $22 million in its 24-year history. EnergyShare donations can be sent to P.O. Box 11186, Richmond, Va. 23230. All contributions are tax-deductible.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy with an energy portfolio of about 28,100 megawatts of generation. Dominion also serves retail energy customers in nine states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.

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