October 11, 2005

RICHMOND, Va. – Against a backdrop of rising energy costs caused in part by two devastating hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico, Dominion begins its 23rd year of EnergyShare this month to provide assistance to families in need to help pay heating costs this winter.

To remind its 2.2 million electric customers about EnergyShare, Dominion is placing inserts in their October bills soliciting contributions to the fund.

Last year, EnergyShare donations totaled almost $1.1 million and helped more than 5,000 families pay for various forms of heat — oil, coal, wood, kerosene, natural gas or electricity. Energy prices, particularly natural gas, have risen steeply around the country in recent months. Electricity rates for Dominion Virginia Power customers remain capped through 2010.

EnergyShare provides a one-time financial aid as a last resort for those who have exhausted other forms of assistance or who do not qualify for such help.

The program, which has raised more than $20 million in its 23-year history, is supported by donations from Dominion Virginia Power customers, employees and EnergyShare partners such as businesses, churches and civic organizations. Local health and social service agencies in the company’s service areas distribute the funds. Because Dominion pays all administrative costs, 100 percent of donated funds go directly into the program.

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 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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