Electric News Releases

Governor Gilmore Announces 11th Consecutive Year of Fan Care For The Elderly in Virginia

• Press release from the Commonwealth of Virginia, Dept. for the Aging

RICHMOND, Va. - Governor Gilmore announced today that for the 11th consecutive year, the Virginia Department for the Aging and Dominion Virginia Power began providing fans on June 1st to elderly Virginians who will need help cooling their homes this summer.

"This important initiative helps address the critical cooling needs of low-income older citizens in Virginia," said Governor Gilmore. "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 within the Dominion Virginia Power service area who meet eligibility requirements. Fan Care is a public-private partnership administered by the Department for the Aging, and Dominion Virginia Power is the primary sponsor.

"In 2000, more than 1,700 fans were distributed through the Fan Care program," said Dr. Ann McGee, 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 11-year partnership has provided about 17,000 fans to elderly Virginians," said Edgar M. Roach Jr., Dominion Virginia Power chief executive officer. "We're committed to helping those in need who simply cannot afford air conditioning."

For the seventh 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.

Eligible clients can receive one fan per cooling season, and 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.

Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to Fan Care by mailing a check in any amount to their 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 on Dominion, visit the company on the Internet at www.dom.com.

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