October 2, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. – With the pop of dozens of umbrellas on its downtown Richmond plaza, Dominion Tuesday announced that its winter and summer energy assistance programs for customers at risk are now combined under one well-known name – EnergyShare. "In addition to paying heating bills in the winter, EnergyShare now will assist with summer cooling bills as part of a single umbrella program assisting those most at risk from seasonal weather extremes," said Eva Hardy, executive vice president, Public Policy & Corporate Communications. "EnergyShare is reaching out to help more people." Beginning next summer, eligible seniors in Dominion’s service area will be allowed to apply for cooling assistance of up to $200 per season.

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine (right) and David Heacock, president-Dominion Virginia Power, celebrate the combining of Dominion's winter and summer assistance programs for customers at risk under one umbrella -- EnergyShare. The ceremony to launch the EnergyShare 2007-08 season occurred on the plaza of Dominion's downtown Richmond office.

The new program will help pay summer cooling bills for seniors age 60 and older who are income-eligible and need assistance. This program runs June 1 through Sept. 30, or until funds run out. Summer cooling funds will be administered by local Area Agencies on Aging. Additionally, 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.

More than $25 million has been raised in the program’s 24-year history.   EnergyShare is supported by donations from Dominion, Dominion Virginia Power customers, employees and EnergyShare partners such as businesses, churches and civic organizations.  Local health and social service agencies in the company’s service areas distribute the funds.  Dominion pays all administrative costs; 100 percent of donated funds go directly into the program.

Those in need are allowed to apply for EnergyShare assistance to help pay a winter heating bill of any type. Each household is permitted up to $500 per season in heating assistance.  Last year EnergyShare helped nearly 10,000 families pay for various forms of heat -- oil, coal, wood, kerosene, natural gas or electricity.  This segment of the program runs mid-December through May 31, or until funds run out.

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.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of more than 26,500 megawatts of generation.  For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

###