June 3, 2002

RICHMOND, Va. - Gov. Mark Warner announced Monday that for the 12th consecutive year Dominion Virginia Power and the Virginia Department for the Aging will provide fans to elderly Virginians who need help cooling their homes this summer.

"This important initiative helps address the critical cooling needs of low-income older citizens in Virginia," Gov. Warner said. "I am pleased the Commonwealth can partner again with Dominion Virginia Power in providing this resource to seniors."

Fan Care provides free fans to elderly Virginians who live within the Dominion Virginia Power service area and who meet eligibility requirements. Fan Care is a public-private partnership administered by the Department for the Aging. Dominion Virginia Power is the primary sponsor.

"In 2001, more than 2,000 fans were distributed through the Fan Care program," said Jay DeBoer, commissioner of the Department for the Aging. "The fans that our Area Agencies on Aging are able to purchase with Dominion Virginia Power's generous donation offer much needed relief during the hot summer months."

Dominion Virginia Power donated $27,500 to the Fan Care program this year, most of which will go toward the purchase of fans.

"Since its inception, our 12-year partnership has provided more than 19,000 fans to elderly Virginians," said Edgar M. Roach Jr., president and chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. "We're committed to helping those in need who simply cannot afford air conditioning."

For the eighth year, Wal-Mart is serving as the statewide retailer providing fans to local Area Agencies on Aging at a discounted rate as a Fan Care partner. This will enable the program to purchase more fans with the available funding.

Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans. To be eligible for Fan Care, an individual must:

• Live in Virginia.
• Be age 60 or older.
• Have a need for cooling assistance.
• Meet income guidelines defined by the Area Agencies on Aging.

Those who are eligible can receive one fan per cooling season; the fans become their property. The program will continue until Sept. 30, or as long as funds last. Dominion Virginia Power invites other utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities, and businesses to contribute as Fan Care partners. The company also is making available to area agencies an energy efficiency booklet to be distributed to Fan Care recipients.

Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to Fan Care by mailing a check in any amount to the nearest Area Agency on Aging. Checks should be made payable to the agency. A list of agencies is available upon request. Organizations wishing to become Fan Care partners should contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at (800) 552-3402.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion, which provides natural gas and electricity to 4 million customers in five states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
 

# # #