- Eligible individuals can receive up to $600 toward energy bill payments - Call 1-888-667-3000 for nearest screening agency - More than 15,000 families helped last year RICHMOND, Va., Nov. 2 /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, which is supported by donations from Dominion customers and its employees, is aimed at helping those experiencing a 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. "Donations to EnergyShare totaled more than $7 million last winter, and more than 15,000 families were helped," said Paul D. Koonce, chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. "We are grateful for the generous donations. As the need continues to grow, more contributions are needed to ensure a safe and warm winter for families." 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. Administering agencies can help individuals determine if they are eligible for the program. For information on the nearest screening agency, call 1-888-667-3000. Helpful tips on how to apply for assistance are available in video format here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fc6mJV_9G4A Those eligible can receive a one-time payment of up to $600 per heating season. Because Dominion and the 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. The program has raised more than $35 million and helped more than 180,000 families in its 27-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 more than 27,500 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage systems and serves retail energy customers in 12 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com/. DATASOURCE: Dominion CONTACT: Daisy Pridgen, +1-804-771-6115, , or Le-Ha Anderson, +1-703-591-1201, , or Chuck Penn, +1-757-857-2700, , all of Dominion Web Site: http://www.dom.com/

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