RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion Virginia Power is conducting informational sessions in the greater Richmond area and in Colonial Heights this month to help low-income customers and those in financial distress pay their energy bills and reduce their energy usage.

"At similar sessions last year, we learned that many people were not aware of programs that could benefit them," said Leroy Adkins, who conducts the sessions for Dominion’s Customer Relations and Business Solutions Department. "We want to help people find the assistance they need and are eligible to receive."

The sessions are part of an ongoing, year-round effort to inform customers about the programs and choices available to them. Dominion representatives will be available to discuss billing options, no-cost and low-cost energy conservation measures, Dominion’s EnergyShare program, and services such as weatherization and winter fuel assistance programs provided through state and local agencies.

Adkins noted that the deadline for applying for the state’s winter fuel assistance program is Friday. Nov. 12.

Here is the schedule of upcoming programs:

• Monday, Nov. 8 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Virginia Employment Commission, 8093 Elm Drive, Mechanicsville;
• Tuesday, Nov. 9 (9 a.m. to noon), Brookhill Employment Center, 5270 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond;
• Wednesday, Nov. 10 (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Henrico Hall in the Richmond Raceway Complex as part of the VEC’s 2010 Veterans Day Career Fair, and 
• Tuesday, Nov. 16 (12:30-2 p.m.), Bethesda Baptist Church, 15800 Woods Edge Road, Colonial Heights.

Customers facing financial distress who cannot attend one of the energy assistance sessions may contact Dominion at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

Dominion’s EnergyShare program, which assists qualified families regardless of their heating source, has raised more than $44 million to help more than 200,000 families in need during its 28-year history. EnergyShare is supported by donations from Dominion customers, employees and EnergyShare partners, including businesses, churches and civic organizations. Local health and social service agencies in the company’s service area distribute the funds. Because Dominion pays administrative costs, each dollar donated to EnergyShare goes directly to help those requiring assistance.

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 payment. Contributions can be mailed to EnergyShare, P. O. Box 11186, Richmond, VA 23230-1186.

Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,600 megawatts of generation, 12,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,000 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system with 942 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in 13 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.
 

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