Dominion Virginia Power Launches EnergyShare Cooling Assistance Program

* EnergyShare’s new cooling assistance program begins today
* Dominion contributes additional $5 million to EnergyShare
* Fan Care remains in place to help seniors

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 in Virginia 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.