March 19, 2003

PITTSBURGH - A number of special programs are available to help customers of Dominion Peoples, who are experiencing higher natural gas bills because of extremely cold temperatures.

With gas furnaces already operating longer and harder, and colder-than-normal temperatures over the last several weeks, Dominion reminds customers of the availability of a variety of energy assistance and payment plans.

The company also advises customers to try to call between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Wednesdays through Fridays, for the quickest service since its call center experiences heavier than normal call volume on Mondays and Tuesdays.

To apply for any of these programs, contact Dominion Peoples toll-free at 1-800-400-WARM (9276).

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides a credit that is applied to a customer's heating bill. To qualify, a customer's yearly gross household income can be up to $11,961 for one person; $16,119 for two people; $24,435 for four; $32,751 for six. For details, call Dominion Peoples at 1-800-400-WARM (9276). LIHEAP closes on March 27, 2003.

LIHEAP customers who are having heating related emergencies such as no gas service, a furnace or house line in need of repair may also be eligible for a CRISIS grant.

The Customer Assistance Program (CAP) helps a customer maintain gas service by paying a percent of his/her total monthly household income before taxes. To qualify, a customer must meet the income guidelines and apply for LIHEAP. Call Dominion Peoples for more information at 1-800-400-WARM (9276).

The Dollar Energy Fund (DEF) provides assistance to income-eligible customers. Individuals may apply once a year for each utility and are not required to repay the grants. To be eligible for DEF grants, applicants must meet income guidelines, which are 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Level or below. All grants are applied directly to the utility bill. Call Dominion Peoples at 1-800-400-WARM (9276).

With the Budget Payment Plan, a customer pays a fixed budget amount each month. Dominion will review a customer's budget amount in February, June and October, and change it, if needed. Customers must be current with their bill to be eligible. To sign up, customers should call Dominion at 1-800-764-0111.

For customers with a past-due balance, Dominion Peoples offers a Payment Arrangement Plan to better manage gas bills. If customers are having difficulty meeting their monthly payments, they are encouraged to call Dominion toll-free at 1-800-764-0111 to set up payment arrangements.

For customers in need of home weatherization and conservation, Dominion Peoples offers the Low Income Usage Reduction Program (LIURP). This program is designed to help qualified customers make their home warmer in the winter and to help control high utility bills. To apply, call Dominion Peoples at 1-800-400-WARM (9276).

The Medical Certification Program delays a shutoff, or restores service, when it would be life threatening, or especially dangerous, to the health of a permanent member of a customer's household. Medical certification forms are available by calling Dominion. The program allows customers to make payment arrangements--it does not reduce the amount they owe.

Dominion has a diversified and integrated energy portfolio consisting of about 24,000 megawatts of generation. Dominion also serves more than 3.8 million franchise natural gas and electric customers in five states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
 

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