Electric News Releases

October 9, 2000

Dominion Virginia Power Begins 18th Year of EnergyShare

RICHMOND, Va. -- The recent rise in oil and natural gas prices has made Dominion Virginia Power's EnergyShare program for this winter season more vital than ever.

The program's campaign theme for its 18th season -- "When the choice is heat or food, you choose food. Help them avoid that choice. Give to EnergyShare." -- refers to the choice that those in need may have to make during the winter months. EnergyShare provides one-time financial aid to pay a winter heating bill for wood, oil, kerosene, coal, natural gas or electricity. It is a source of last resort for those who have exhausted other forms of assistance.

"Our customers remember last winter's freezing rain and ice storms," said Eva Teig Hardy, senior vice president-External Affairs & Corporate Communication. "To prepare for EnergyShare this year, we again ask our customers and employees to help those in need not have to make a choice between a warm home and food."

Last year, the program raised more than $1.2 million and helped 5,504 families -- including nearly 2,500 children, 753 senior citizens and 1,400 disabled people. However, the program had to turn away more than 2,000 requests for help because of lack of funds.

"It is clear the need continues to grow," Hardy said. "EnergyShare has helped so many through the generosity of our employees and our customers. It would be our shared fortune, as an energy provider and member of the community, to assist as many as possible and turn away few."

In addition to support from Dominion Virginia Power customers and employees, EnergyShare partners -- including businesses, churches and civic or other organizations -- have donated money or services to the program. Dominion pays the program's administrative costs, allowing all donations to go toward paying heating bills. The company also will contribute $50,000 in matching funds to assist persons in paying their electric bills.

Dominion Virginia Power customers can contribute to EnergyShare by adding an extra $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $25 or $35 to monthly bills. The company's computers automatically recognize these exact amounts as contributions to EnergyShare. An envelope also will be inserted in customers' bills in October and February of 2001 soliciting contributions. Donations may be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 12083, and Richmond, Va. 23241-0083.

To qualify for EnergyShare assistance, a person must live in the Dominion Virginia Power service area and be in danger of losing an important source of heat. A recipient must have a household income no higher than one-half of the local median income level, be unemployed or demonstrate a personal or family crisis. To ensure the widest possible distribution of EnergyShare assistance, persons eligible can receive only one payment of up to $500 per heating season. Last year, the average payment was $185.

Local health and social service agencies in Dominion Virginia Power's service area will distribute the funds. The agencies will begin accepting applications for assistance Dec. 15. Payments go directly to the energy vendor on behalf of the recipient.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion, the nation’s largest fully integrated electric power and natural gas company. Dominion serves 3.8 million retail natural gas and electric customers in five states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

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