Dominion Expands EnergyShare Weatherization Program to Include All of Virginia

-Partnership with Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program
-Helps seniors save money, remain comfortable for the long term
-Work will include HVAC inspections and roof repairs

September 11, 2008

RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion is now offering home weatherization assistance to seniors throughout Virginia.  The company is expanding its EnergyShare weatherization program with a $300,000 donation to fund the addition of energy-saving equipment and materials to homes of qualifying seniors age 60 and over.

"In addition to providing financial help with seasonal heating or cooling bills through our EnergyShare program, Dominion is now expanding its partnership with the state to help families stay comfortable and save money," said David A. Heacock, president of Dominion Virginia Power.

Dominion’s contribution will supplement the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (VDHCD).  Each of the homes selected by VDHCD for the statewide program will receive weatherization improvements based on the home’s condition. Homeowner income is a consideration for eligibility in the program.

Weatherization may include:

  • Inspecting heating and cooling equipment and repairing or replacing it as necessary;
  • Sealing major air leaks;
  • Insulating exterior walls, ducts, heating pipes and water heaters;
  • Insulating and venting attics;
  • Inspecting and repairing roofs, and
  • Implementing water conservation measures such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators. 

In addition to having their homes weatherized, program recipients will receive compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs and information on no-cost energy-savings measures.

Dominion’s EnergyShare program has been in existence for 26 years and has helped more than 150,000 families in Virginia.  The hugely successful program has been providing funds to help people in need pay any type of home heating bill since 1983. In June 2008, EnergyShare became a year-round program when it began paying summer electricity bills for those in need. A weatherization component to the program will help make homes more energy efficient.

VDHCD administers the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program and allocates funds to local community action agencies, including Area Agencies on Aging and non-profit housing organizations, which administer the program at a local level.

About Dominion

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 11 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

About EnergyShare

Dominion’s EnergyShare program has donated more than $26 million to families in need during its 26-year history and is supported by donations from Dominion and its customers, employees and EnergyShare partners, including 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 the funds donated go directly to help those requiring assistance.

Persons in need are allowed to apply for EnergyShare assistance to help pay a winter heating bill of any type or summer cooling bill. Additionally, through the Fan Care program, free fans are provided to seniors age 60 and older who demonstrate a situation at home that threatens their health and who have a need for cooling equipment.

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.

About the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development

The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) DHCD is committed to creating safe, affordable, and prosperous communities to live, work and do business in Virginia.  DHCD partners with Virginia’s communities to develop their economic potential, regulates Virginia’s building and fire codes, provides training and certification for building officials and support for Virginia’s homeless, and invests more than $100 million each year into housing and community development projects throughout the state.  By partnering with local governments, nonprofit groups, state and federal agencies, and others, DHCD is working to improve the quality of life for Virginians.

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CONTACTS:  
Media:

Dominion: Karl Neddenien, (804) 771-6115, Karl.R.Neddenien@dom.com

Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development:
Hollie Cammarasana, (804) 371-7006, Hollie.Cammarasana@dhcd.virginia.gov