Dominion Virginia Power Contributes $1 Million to EnergyShare

- Extremely cold temperatures take a toll on Virginians
- Funds to directly help customers pay heating bills

RICHMOND, Va., March 11, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The prolonged frigid temperatures are taking a toll on some Virginians, leaving them struggling to pay bills to heat their homes. Recognizing the urgency, Dominion Virginia Power has contributed $1 million to EnergyShare, an energy assistance program that helps eligible customers pay their heating bills, no matter the heating source.

"We see the need and are reaching out to assist," said Robert M. Blue, president of Dominion Virginia Power. "Weather like we have had recently is challenging for everyone, especially those on fixed incomes or who are otherwise pressed to pay their bills. We are asking our neighbors and the business community to consider making a donation as well so more people can be helped."

Since EnergyShare's inception, Dominion and its customers, employees and retirees have contributed more than $60 million and have helped more than 700,000 individuals stay comfortable in their homes.

EnergyShare helps those experiencing a personal or family crisis by providing funds to heat their homes after all other forms of assistance have been exhausted. Payments go directly to the energy vendor on behalf of the recipient. Those eligible can receive a one-time payment of up to $600 per heating season. The funds can be used for any type of heating source – oil, wood, kerosene, natural gas, propane or electricity.

To make a donation:

  • Mail a check to EnergyShare P.O. Box 91717, Richmond, Va. 23291-9717, or use the contribution envelopes included in the February bills, or
  • Add specified dollar amounts to your current electric bill.

Who qualifies for EnergyShare?

  • You must live in Dominion's service area,
  • You must have a disconnection notice, or be in danger of losing a primary energy source.
  • You must have exhausted all state assistance.

Dominion is also actively pursuing additional ways to further help lower-income, elderly and disabled Virginians. 

For more information on energy assistance agencies, call 2-1-1. For additional information on EnergyShare, call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 24,600 megawatts of generation, 12,400 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline, and 6,455 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems with 949 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves

utility and retail energy customers in 12 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

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SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power

For further information: Janell Hancock, 804-771-6115, Janell.M.Hancock@dom.com; Charles Penn, 703-796-9308, Charles.Penn@dom.com; Bonita Harris, 757-857-2700, Bonita.B.Harris@dom.com