RICHMOND, Va., March 16, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation is committing $1 million to aid COVID-19 relief efforts across the United States. The funds will support national organizations, such as the American Red Cross, as well as address local needs. 

"The health and well-being of customers and employees is Dominion Energy's top priority. We are helping customers and communities we serve during this difficult time by maintaining reliable service and providing support and relief to those affected," said Dominion Energy Chairman, President and CEO Thomas F. Farrell, II. "Our contributions to these organizations will help provide the means to lessen the impact of this outbreak."

Dominion Energy is committing $750,000 to nonprofits to help assist the communities that are home to the more than 7 million customers Dominion Energy serves. Donations to local organizations will help address needs as dictated by response plans.

Dominion Energy is also committing $250,000 to the American Red Cross as it continues to mobilize efforts to respond to the outbreak of coronavirus in the United States. 

"The Red Cross is proud to count Dominion Energy as a partner to help us deliver our lifesaving mission nationwide due to the coronavirus outbreak," said Don Herring, chief development officer at the American Red Cross. "As concerns about the coronavirus have grown here in the U.S., the number of cancelled blood drives has increased exponentially. The need for blood will continue as the outbreak grows, and we are grateful for the support from Dominion Energy to help those in need at this critical time."

The company is taking a number of measures to ensure it is able to continue providing energy to customers, while at the same time keeping employees safe and healthy.

Dominion Energy knows the communities it serves rely on the company to provide an essential service. It takes seriously the responsibility to provide energy safely and reliably, all day, every day. To do that requires a workforce that is able and ready to do the work necessary to keep the lights on and the natural gas flowing. The company's business continuity plans are in place and other steps are being taken to ensure reliable energy service 24-7. That includes securing supplies, reviewing staffing plans and coordinating with government health officials.

Customers should not have to worry about losing service during this critical time. The company has suspended all service disconnections for nonpayment. Residential customers previously disconnected due to non-payment may contact the company for assistance reconnecting service. In addition, the company is planning to waive late fees and reconnection fees and is seeking approval from utility commissions where required to do so.

Dominion Energy encourages customers to use its digital tools and other resources for routine self-service and 24-7 online account access as call wait times may be longer than usual. The company is here to help and encourages customers who may be facing financial difficulties to contact us.

For more information, visit https://www.dominionenergy.com/coronavirus.

About the Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation
More than 7 million customers in 18 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D). Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $48 million in 2019 to community causes. The Foundation supports nonprofit causes that meet basic human needs, protect the environment, promote education and encourage community vitality. Please visit www.DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

SOURCE Dominion Energy