Dominion Begins 27th Year of EnergyShare

-Dominion allocates $2.5 million to winter heating assistance program
-Company now provides up to $600 in aid
-Applications for heating assistance being accepted

November 5, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. – EnergyShare starts its 27th season this month with $2.5 million made available by Dominion to help families in need pay their winter heating costs. Dominion's contribution is part of a $5 million grant made in May in light of increased need caused by spiraling energy prices and a softening economy.

EnergyShare is a year-round energy assistance and weatherization program that helps those in need keep their homes warm during the winter and cool in the summer after all other assistance has been exhausted. The one-time assistance amount has been increased and now provides up to $600 in aid.

"We have increased the amount of the maximum grant to provide additional assistance to those who are most vulnerable to the current adverse economic conditions and higher energy prices," said William C. Hall Jr., Dominion vice president-Corporate Communications & Community Affairs.

EnergyShare is now accepting applications. Customers can call 1-888-667-3000 or visit www.dom.com, keyword EnergyShare, to find an agency where they can apply.

The program has raised more than $31 million in its 26-year history and is supported by donations from Dominion Virginia Power customers, employees and EnergyShare partners such as businesses, churches and civic organizations. Last year donations totaled nearly $1.4 million and helped more than 8,000 families pay for various forms of heat – oil, coal, wood, kerosene, natural gas or electricity. EnergyShare pays heating bills regardless of the type of heating fuel used.

Dominion works with local health and social service agencies in the company’s service areas to assist eligible individuals and families. Because Dominion pays all administrative costs, 100 percent of donations 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 for any amount with their payments. All contributions are tax deductible and can be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 11186, Richmond, Va. 23230-1186. Information on EnergyShare and pre-addressed envelopes for contributions are included in November bills mailed to customers.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,000 megawatts of generation. Dominion serves retail energy customers in 12 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

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Editor’s note: Media that have a Web presence can link to Dominion at http://www.dom.com/customer/vares_eaprograms.jsp to provide more information about EnergyShare and state agencies that offer energy assistance programs.
 


 

CONTACTS:  
Media:

Daisy Pridgen, (804) 771-6115, Daisy.Pridgen@dom.com