Dominion's EnergyShare Program To Begin Pilot Weatherization Program In Petersburg
PETERSBURG, Va. – Dominion, one of the nation’s
largest producers and suppliers of energy, began the 24th year of its EnergyShare
program Tuesday by expanding in a new direction — adding energy-saving
equipment and materials to the homes of 20 Petersburg seniors.
The expansion, known as the EnergyShare
Weatherization Pilot project, began at the home of Charles Parham, whose
1970s brick rancher will receive additional insulation, new ductwork, fluorescent
lighting and a new energy-efficient furnace and water heater. View
a video of the event.
Dominion donated $25,000 to the Crater District Area Agency
on Aging for equipment and material to weatherize 20 Petersburg residences.
Agency home weatherization specialists will make the improvements.
"In addition to helping with heating bills for one season,
Dominion is partnering with the state to provide assistance that will help families
stay warm for decades to come," said Eva S. Hardy, Dominion senior vice
president-External Affairs & Corporate Communications. "We expect this
pilot to be successful and look to grow this part of the EnergyShare program
next year."
Dominion’s contribution will supplement the Virginia
Weatherization Assistance Program, which is administered by the Virginia Department
of Housing and Community Development. Each of the 20 residences selected for
the pilot program will receive weatherization improvements based on its condition.
"The aging population is especially vulnerable during
cold spells," said Commissioner Julie Christopher of the Virginia Department
for the Aging. "There’s no substitute for a warm home during the
bitter months of winter."
The Housing and Community Development department administers
the Virginia Weatherization Assistance Program and allocates funds to local
community action agencies, including Area Agencies on Aging and non-profit housing
organizations, to administer the program at a local level.
"Dominion’s donation will allow for the weatherization
of additional homes this year that otherwise may not have been able to be improved,"
said Bill Shelton, director, Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.
"We are pleased to join Dominion in this partnership this year and look
forward to a continuing relationship."
In addition to having their homes weatherized, pilot program
recipients will receive information on no-cost energy-savings measures.
About EnergyShare
EnergyShare,
Dominion’s hallmark community affairs program, helps pay a heating bill
of any type. It is a means of last resort for those who have exhausted other
forms of assistance or who do not qualify for such help.
EnergyShare has donated more than $22 million to families
in need during its 24-year history and is supported by donations from Dominion
customers, employees and EnergyShare partners, including businesses, churches
and civic organizations. Local health and social service agencies in the company’s
service areas distribute the funds. Dominion pays all administrative costs so
that 100 percent of the funds donated go directly to help those in need.
To remind its electric customers about EnergyShare, Dominion
is placing inserts in their October bills soliciting contributions to the fund.
Customers can contribute to EnergyShare by adding an extra $1, $2, $5, $10,
$20, $25 or $35 monthly to their Dominion Virginia Power bills or by including
a separate check with their payments for any amount. All contributions are tax
deductible and can be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 11186, Richmond, Va. 23230-1186.
About Dominion
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy,
with an energy portfolio of about 28,000 megawatts of generation, about 6.3
trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas reserves and 7,800 miles
of natural gas transmission pipeline. Dominion also operates the nation's largest
underground natural gas storage system with more than 950 billion cubic feet
of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in 11 states. For more
information about Dominion and about today's EnergyShare pilot program kickoff
ceremony, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
About the Virginia Department for the Aging
The Virginia Department for the Aging is the designated State
Unit on Aging for Virginia. The Department's objective is to help Virginians
find the information and services they need to lead healthy and independent
lives as they grow older. The mission is to foster the dignity, independence,
and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with families and
communities. Visit the VDA Web site at www.aging.state.va.us.
About the Virginia Department of Housing and Community
Development
The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development
is committed to creating safe, affordable, and prosperous communities to live,
work and do business in Virginia. DHCD partners with Virginia’s communities
to develop their economic potential, regulates Virginia’s building and
fire codes, provides training and certification for building officials, and
invests more than $100 million each year into housing and community development
projects throughout the state, the majority of which are designed to help low-to-moderate
income citizens. By partnering with local governments, nonprofit groups, state
and federal agencies, and others, DHCD is working to improve the quality of
life for Virginians. Visit the DHCD Web site at: www.dhcd.virginia.gov.
