Dominion Virginia Power's Energyshare: 20 Years of Fighting the Other Cold War
RICHMOND, Va. - Dominion Virginia Power
celebrated Tuesday the 20th anniversary of EnergyShare, the company's hallmark
fuel assistance program. During the past two decades, EnergyShare has collected
$17.7 million to help families in need pay their heating bills.
"This is a significant milestone for the company, our partners and especially
for the 95,000 families who have benefited from EnergyShare," said Edgar
M. Roach Jr., president and chief executive officer. "Serving a community
is about heart, spirit and compassion, something our employees and our customers
have in abundance."
Built around a special anniversary theme of EnergyShare:
20 Years of Fighting the Other Cold War,
the EnergyShare commemorative program at Dominion Virginia Power's downtown
Richmond offices included a large donation of cold weather clothing by
company employees to benefit the Richmond Adult Rehabilitation Center.
Volunteers loaded 25 wardrobe boxes filled with
coats, sweaters and blankets into a Salvation Army truck.
EnergyShare helps those in need pay a wintertime
heating bill after all other forms of financial assistance have been exhausted.
EnergyShare funds can be used to pay for any type or heating bill: oil, gas,
kerosene, wood or electricity. Dominion Virginia Power works with state, local
and private social service agencies to identify eligible recipients of EnergyShare
funds.
Last year, EnergyShare collected more than $1 million, which
assisted 5,008 families, including 2,050 children, 750 senior citizens and 1,413
disabled people.
"Now, more than ever, we need to think of our neighbors
who may be less fortunate. EnergyShare is an easy way to assist directly a family
in crisis," Roach said.
Local health and social service agencies in Dominion Virginia
Power's service area accept applications for EnergyShare assistance and distribute
the funds. Payments go directly to energy vendors on behalf of those helped.
Every cent donated goes to benefit people in need because Dominion pays for
the program's administrative expenses. In addition, Dominion Virginia Power
contributes $50,000 each year in matching funds.
EnergyShare is supported by donations from Dominion
Virginia Power customers, employees and EnergyShare partners. 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.
During the 2001-2002 heating season, EnergyShare assisted families in the following localities:
Central Virginia
-- $277,000 collected and 1,476 families assisted.
(Altavista, Chatham, Charles City, Charlotte Courthouse, Chesterfield, City
of Richmond, Colonial Heights, Dinwiddie, Essex, Farmville, Goochland, Greensville/Emporia,
Hanover, Hopewell, King & Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mathews, Middlesex,
New Kent, Northumberland, Petersburg, Powhatan, Prince George, Richmond County,
South Boston, South Hill, Sussex, and Westmoreland)
Eastern Virginia
-- $284,000 collected and 1,246 families assisted.
(Chesapeake, Franklin, Gloucester, Hampton, Isle of Wight, James City, Newport
News, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Southampton, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Williamsburg
and York)
Northern Virginia
-- $259,000 collected and 1,160 families assisted.
(Alexandria, Arlington, Caroline, Dale City, Dumfries, Fairfax, Fauquier,
Fredericksburg, Herndon, King George, Leesburg, Loudoun, Manassas, Manassas
Park, Prince William, Quantico, Springfield, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Triangle,
Warrenton and Woodbridge)
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of
energy, with a production capability of more than 3 trillion British thermal
units of energy per day. Dominion also serves more than 3.8 million franchise
natural gas and electric customers in five states. For more information about
Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
