Electric News Releases

December 21, 2000

Local Agencies Begin Accepting Dominion Virginia Power Energyshare Applications

RICHMOND, Va. – EnergyShare, Dominion Virginia Power’s program to help individuals or families in need stay warm this winter, is now accepting applications.

The 18-year-old program is designed to help those in need heat their homes after all other assistance has been exhausted. Dominion Virginia Power works with state, local and private social agencies to identify eligible people. Every dollar contributed to this fund goes to pay heating bills regardless of the type of heat used. To apply for assistance, call 1-888-667-3000.

"With winter weather well on its way, people with no means for heating their homes are foremost in our concern," said Edgar M. Roach Jr., chief executive officer. "Contributions to EnergyShare will go toward those who need assistance the most to ensure a safe and warm winter.”

Despite generous giving last year, more than 2,100 applications were turned down because of insufficient EnergyShare funds.

Local health and social service agencies in Dominion Virginia Power's service area accept the applications for EnergyShare assistance and distribute the funds. Payments go directly to the energy vendor on behalf of the recipient.

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.

EnergyShare is supported by donations from Dominion Virginia Power customers and employees and EnergyShare Partners. Dominion Virginia Power covers the program's administrative costs, allowing all donations to go toward paying heating bills. The utility also will contribute $50,000 in matching funds to help persons in need pay their Dominion Virginia Power bill.

Customers can contribute to EnergyShare easily by adding an extra $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $25 or $35 monthly to Dominion Virginia Power bills or write a separate check for any amount. All contributions are tax deductible and can be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 12083, Richmond, Va. 23241-0083.

Businesses, churches and civic or other organizations can become EnergyShare partners by donating money or services directly to the program. Partners also can promote EnergyShare through bill inserts or letters to their employees or by mentioning it in newsletters, bulletins or public service announcements.

Last year, EnergyShare raised $1.2 million and assisted a total of 5,504 families, including 2,500 children, 753 senior citizens and more than 1,400 disabled people.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers of energy, with 1.9 million electric customers in Virginia. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's web site at www.dom.com.

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