June 9, 2004

RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Mark R. Warner announced today that for the 14^th consecutive year Dominion and the Virginia Department for the Aging will provide fans to elderly Virginians who need help cooling their homes this summer.

Fan Care provides free fans to elderly Virginians who live within Dominion’s service area and meet eligibility requirements. Fan Care is a public-private partnership administered by the Department for the Aging. Dominion is the primary sponsor.

"This program helps low-income older citizens in Virginia keep cool each summer, and I am pleased the Commonwealth again is partnering with Dominion to provide this resource to our seniors," Governor Warner said.

Dominion donates $27,500 to the Fan Care program each year, most of which goes toward the purchase of fans. Limited funds are available to agencies to purchase air-conditioners for clients with more serious health problems.

“In 2003, the Fan Care program hit a milestone – having distributed 20,000 fans since the program began,” said Jay DeBoer, Commissioner of the Virginia Department for the Aging. “Clearly, history shows there is a need. With everyone banding together, this program can continue to be effective in helping the most needy cope in the intense summer heat.”

For the 10^th year, Wal-Mart will be a Fan Care partner, serving as the statewide retailer providing fans to local Area Agencies on Aging at a discounted rate. This discount will enable the program to purchase more fans with the available funds.

Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans. To be eligible for Fan Care, 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.

Those who are eligible can receive one fan per cooling season; the fans become their property. The program will continue until September 30, or as long as funds last. Dominion invites other utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and businesses to contribute as Fan Care partners. The company also is making available to area agencies an energy efficiency booklet to be distributed to Fan Care recipients.

Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to Fan Care by mailing a check in any amount to the nearest Area Agency on Aging. Checks should be made payable to the agency. A list of agencies is available upon request. Organizations wishing to become Fan Care partners should contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at (800) 552-3402.

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