June 19, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion Virginia Power today announced the expansion of its long-running Fan Care program to Southwest Virginia. The program is designed to help eligible, elderly residents combat the heat of summer by providing free fans.

The program, which is entering its 18th year and is now part of the company’s overall EnergyShare program, is funded by Dominion.  It is administered through the Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA).  Wal-Mart supplies fans at a discount to the agency to distribute to the elderly.  Together, the partners have provided 26,700 fans through Fan Care.

“Fan Care distributes more than 1,400 fans each year,” said Robert M. Blue, senior vice president-Public Policy and Corporate Communications. “Seniors are a vital part of our communities, and we are pleased that residents of Southwest Virginia will now be able to participate.”

Traditionally, Dominion has supplied fans only for customers in its service area.  Southwest Virginia was added because the company is planning to build and operate the Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center, a 585-megawatt, clean-coal power station in Wise County.

“Dominion has a proud history of being a vital and supportive member of the communities in which it operates.  With our plans to build the Virginia City power station, it is appropriate to extend Fan Care to the area,” Blue said.

Dominion donates $50,000 to the Fan Care program each year.  The VDA has allocated about $9,500 of that money for its Southwest Virginia offices.  Limited funds are available to agencies to purchase air-conditioners for senior citizens with more serious health problems.

Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans.  To be eligible for the program, an individual must live in Virginia, be age 60 or older, have a need for cooling assistance, and meet income guidelines defined by the Area Agencies on Aging.  To inquire about eligibility, contact the VDA at (800) 552-3402.

Those who are eligible can receive one fan per cooling season. The program will continue until September 30 or as long as funds last.

Dominion invites other utilities, electric cooperatives, localities, and businesses to contribute as Fan Care partners.  Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to Fan Care by sending a check in any amount to the nearest Area Agency on Aging. Checks should be made payable to the agency. Organizations wishing to become Fan Care partners should contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at (800) 552-3402.

The following Area Agencies on Aging in Southwest Virginia will conduct the screening and distribute the fans:

• Mountain Empire Older Citizens, Inc. in Big Stone Gap.  The agency serves Lee, Scott and Wise counties and the City of Norton. The toll free number is 1-800-252-6362.
  
   
• Appalachian Agency for Senior Citizens, Inc. in Cedar Bluff. The agency serves Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell and Tazewell counties. The toll free number is 1-800-656-2272.
  
   
• District Three Senior Services in Marion. The agency serves Bland, Carroll, Grayson, Smyth, Washington and Wythe counties and the cities of Bristol and Galax. The toll free number is 1-800-541-0933.
  
   
• New River Valley Agency on Aging in Pulaski. The agency serves Floyd, Giles, Montgomery and Pulaski counties and the City of Radford. The toll free number is 1-866-260-4417.

About VDA
The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) is the designated State Unit on Aging for Virginia.  The department's objective is to help Virginians find the information and services they need to lead healthy and independent lives as they grow older.  Their mission is to foster the dignity, independence and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with families and communities. Visit the VDA Web site at http://www.vda.virginia.gov/.

About Dominion
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 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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