Dominion Virginia Power Launches EnergyShare Cooling Assistance Program

RICHMOND, Va., June 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Heat relief is on the way for the elderly and those in need, thanks to Dominion Virginia Power and its EnergyShare assistance program.

For the first time, EnergyShare is now a year-round program, not only providing assistance with energy bills during the winter but also helping eligible individuals with their electricity bills during the summer. Fan Care, now also part of EnergyShare, provides fans to eligible seniors.

Dominion has contributed an additional $5 million to EnergyShare to get the expanded program off to a good start by helping more eligible families and individuals.

    To qualify for EnergyShare cooling assistance, an individual must:

    -- Have a disconnection notice,
    -- Have exhausted all other available sources of fuel assistance
       resources,
    -- Demonstrate a personal or family crisis, or
    -- Be income-eligible.

"We expanded EnergyShare into a year-round program because we recognize the need occurs during summer months as well as during winter months," said David A. Heacock, president of Dominion Virginia Power. "The summer's heat can be just as taxing on the elderly and those who struggle to pay their electric bill. We want to ensure they get the assistance they need when they need it."

A qualified individual can receive a one-time maximum payment of up to $300. Seniors -- who do not have to have a disconnection notice -- can receive a one-time maximum payment of up to $500. The program runs June 16-Sept. 30. Local health and human service agencies administer the program. For more information, call Dominion's Customer Service Center at 1-888-667-3000.

Fan Care, now in its 18th year, assists seniors inVirginia with cooling their homes. Dominion is again partnering with Wal-Mart and the Virginia Department for the Aging to provide free fans to qualified individuals who live in the company's service area.

Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing the fans. To be eligible, 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.

Those eligible can receive one fan per cooling season. The program will run until Sept. 30 or as long as funds last. To inquire about eligibility, contact the Virginia Department for the Aging at 1-800-552-3402.

About EnergyShare

Dominion's EnergyShare program has donated more than $25 million to families in need during its 25-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. Because Dominion pays all administrative costs, 100 percent of the funds donated go directly to help those requiring assistance.

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 VDA

The Virginia Department for the Aging (VDA) is the designated State Unit on Aging forVirginia. 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. Their 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 http://www.vda.virginia.gov.

About Dominion

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 26,500 megawatts of generation. Dominion serves retail energy customers in 11 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power

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