Gas News Release

January 26, 2001

Dominion Peoples Announces Thirteenth Annual Award of Achievement Collegiate Grant Competition

PITTSBURGH – Dominion Peoples announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Annual Award of Achievement Collegiate Grant Competition. As part of an ongoing commitment to higher education, the awards recognize African-American high school seniors who have distinguished themselves academically and have demonstrated positive leadership qualities.

Over 35 students throughout the southwestern Pennsylvania area have received more than $42,000 in scholarship funding since the program started in 1987. According to Chief Executive Officer of Dominion Peoples, Edgar M. Roach Jr., “Once again Dominion Peoples is extremely proud to sponsor this competition and is firmly committed to higher education.”

The awards consist of a $3000 first place, a $2000 second place and a $1000 third place, all of which will be determined by an independent review committee. The committee will look at various factors such as academic profiles, letters of recommendation, community involvement as well as personal interviews of each applicant.

“Dominion Peoples feels it is extremely important to show good corporate citizenship in the communities in which we live and do business and this is an excellent opportunity to recognize and support the leaders of tomorrow” said Roach.

Over 2000 applications were mailed to 160 high schools and over 250 social service agencies throughout southwestern Pennsylvania. Students who are interested can obtain an application from their guidance counselor or by contacting Dominion Peoples’ Community Affairs department at (412) 690-1430. The deadline for applications is March 1, 2001.

Dominion Peoples is a subsidiary of Dominion, the nation’s largest fully integrated gas and electric company providing energy to more than 4 million customers in five states. Dominion Peoples provides natural gas service to more than 351,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in 16 counties in southwestern Pennsylvania. More information about Dominion can be found on the Internet at www.dom.com