Electric News Releases

Dominion Virginia Power’s EnergyShare Program Needs Donations During Winter Months

RICHMOND, Va. – As fuel costs rise and temperatures remain cold, many families are faced with having to find alternative sources of income to help pay heating bills.

To raise awareness among its customers and provide a way to help, Dominion Virginia Power is placing inserts in February bills soliciting contributions for EnergyShare, the company’s program that helps those in need heat their homes.

"The need for contributions continues to grow,” said Edgar M. Roach, chief executive officer. “More than 2,100 applications were turned down last year because of insufficient EnergyShare funds. If we all pitch in, we can help assure that no one in need has to be without heat."

During 2000, EnergyShare helped 5,504 families pay for oil, coal, wood, kerosene, natural gas or electricity to heat their homes. EnergyShare provides one-time financial aid as a last resort for those have exhausted other forms of assistance or who do not qualify for such help.

The program is supported by donations from Dominion Virginia Power customers and employees, and EnergyShare Partners such as businesses, churches and civic or other organizations. Local health and social service agencies in the company’s service area distribute EnergyShare funds.

Customers can contribute easily to EnergyShare by adding an extra $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $25 or $35 monthly to Dominion Virginia Power bills. Contributions may also be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 12083, Richmond, Va. 23241-0083. All contributions are tax deductible.

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.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion, one of the nation’s largest producers of energy. Dominion serves 3.8 million retail natural gas and electric customers. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's web site at www.dom.com.

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