Dominion's EnergyShare Program Now Accepting Applications for Heating Assistance

- Eligible individuals can receive up to $600 toward energy bill payments

- Call 1-866-DOM-HELP for information on nearest screening agency

- More than 12,500 families received assistance last year

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Nov 01, 2010, 08:00 ET

RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Applications now are being accepted for EnergyShare, Dominion's heating assistance program aimed at helping individuals and families in need stay warm during the cold winter months.

EnergyShare helps those experiencing a personal or family crisis heat their homes after all other forms of assistance have been exhausted. Payments go directly to the energy vendor on behalf of the recipient. Administering agencies can help individuals determine if they are eligible for the program. For information on the nearest screening agency, call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357).

Those eligible can receive a one-time payment of up to $600 per heating season. Because Dominion and participating social service agencies pay all of the administrative costs, every dollar contributed to EnergyShare goes directly toward paying heating bills. The funds can be used for any type of heating source – oil, coal, wood, kerosene, natural gas or electricity.

"EnergyShare received more than $5 million in donations last winter, and helped more than 12,500 families," said Paul D. Koonce, chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. "The program works because of the support and generous donations of our customers and employees. Helping families in need stay safe and warm is a community effort."

To qualify for EnergyShare assistance, an individual must live in Dominion's service area and meet one of the following criteria:

Be in jeopardy of losing an important heat source;
Meet income-based eligibility requirements as determined by screening agencies;
Be unemployed, or
Demonstrate a personal or family crisis.

The program has raised more than $44 million and helped more than 200,000 families in its 28-year history. EnergyShare donations can be sent to P.O. Box 11186, Richmond, Va. 23230. Contributions are tax-deductible in accordance with Internal Revenue Service regulations.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,600 megawatts of generation, 12,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,000 miles of electric transmission lines. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

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SOURCE Dominion