NORFOLK, Va. – Dominion, well known for its 24-year-old EnergyShare program that assists seniors with their heating bills in the winter, announced Tuesday a pilot program to help them with their electric bills during the heat of summer.

Called “Cooling for Seniors,” the pilot program was unveiled by company officials and community leaders from Hampton Roads at a news conference.  Dominion is contributing $50,000 to fund the pilot program, which will be initiated in those two areas of Virginia.

“EnergyShare has helped thousands of seniors get through the winter by helping them pay their energy bills,” said Eva Teig Hardy, executive vice president-External Affairs & Corporate Communications.  “The summer’s heat can be just as taxing for seniors as the winter’s cold.  It is important that they stay safe and comfortable during our hot, humid days. That is why we have created ‘Cooling for Seniors.’ ”

The pilot program will provide a maximum payment of $200 toward the Dominion electric bills of seniors who are income-eligible.  Applications are now being accepted.  To be eligible, a recipient must be age 60 or older and have income at or below 150 percent of the poverty level.  Income verification is based on household income, excluding dependent benefits.  No disconnection notice is necessary to apply for assistance.

To apply for the “Cooling for Seniors” program, contact Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia at (757) 461-9481 or the Peninsula Agency on Aging at (757) 873-0541.  Applicants must apply in person, and eligibility will be determined the same day.  Bill payments will be made directly to Dominion Virginia Power on behalf of the recipients.

About EnergyShare

EnergyShare, Dominion’s hallmark community affairs program, helps pay a heating bill of any type.  It is a means of last resort for those who have exhausted other forms of assistance or who do not qualify for such help.

EnergyShare has donated more than $22 million to families in need during its 24-year history and is supported by donations from Dominion customers, employees and EnergyShare partners, including businesses, churches and civic organizations.  Local health and social service agencies in the company’s service areas distribute the funds. Dominion pays all administrative costs so that 100 percent of the funds donated go directly to help those in need.

Customers can contribute to EnergyShare by adding an extra $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $25 or $35 monthly to their Dominion Virginia Power bills or by including a separate check with their payments for any amount.  All contributions are tax deductible and can be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 11186, Richmond, Va. 23230-1186.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of more than 26,500 megawatts of generation.  Dominion serves retail energy customers in 11 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

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