NORFOLK, Va., Oct. 12, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Virginia Power announced today that it will donate up to $2 million in matching funds to EnergyShare's heating assistance program to help thousands of individuals and families in need heat their homes this winter season. This is in addition to a $2 million contribution in June to EnergyShare's cooling assistance program, bringing the 2011 total to $4 million.

"As some families continue to struggle with difficult economic conditions, Dominion will contribute up to $2 million to match customer contributions to EnergyShare in the hopes that even more people can be helped," said Paul D. Koonce, chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. "Many of our employees and customers have been continuous givers and helped sustain the program by their generosity over the years. We want to encourage others to help those in need throughout the Commonwealth."

EnergyShare is Dominion's year-round energy assistance program that helps individuals and families in need. It is a program of last resort for the elderly, the ill and anyone facing financial hardships from unemployment or family crisis and needing help paying heating or cooling bills. Now in its 30th year, EnergyShare has raised $52 million and helped a half-million people.

"Virginians from all walks of life have benefitted from EnergyShare and the tremendous help it offers our citizens," said Gov. Bob McDonnell. "For 30 years, it has provided for countless individuals and families. And with the help of various state social service agencies that administer the program, EnergyShare continues to ensure that safe, warm shelter is available to anyone in need." In September, Gov. McDonnell officially honored the 30th anniversary of EnergyShare with a state Certificate of Recognition.

Eligible EnergyShare applicants may receive a one-time payment of up to $600 per heating season. To qualify for assistance, an individual must live in Dominion's customer service area and meet one of the following criteria:

• Have a disconnection notice or be in danger of losing their primary heating source;
• Meet income-based eligibility requirements as determined by screening agencies;
• Be unemployed, or demonstrate a personal or family crisis.

Customers can call Dominion's customer service center at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to find the closest agency.

Dominion customers can help fund 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. Customers can use contribution envelopes included with their October bills. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to EnergyShare, P.O. Box 91717, Richmond, Va. 23291-9717.

In addition, for each customer who signs up for Dominion's electronic billing program eBill, a $1 donation will be made to EnergyShare now through December. To learn more about the benefits of electronic billing and to enroll in eBill, visit www.dom.com, keyword: eBill.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 28,200 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com. 

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SOURCE Dominion