RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 8, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy can
help ease financial stress for customers this winter with
energy-saving tips, flexible payment options, and energy assistance
programs.
Customers will get help on their January bill through a one-time
credit as a result of legislation passed by the General Assembly
last year. The typical residential customer will see their bill
reduced by $13 this billing cycle as
a result of the Grid Transformation & Security Act of 2018
(GTSA). Dominion Energy also offers several other ways to curb
usage and costs.
"No customer should have to be cold this winter because they
can't afford to pay their electric bill," said Corynne Arnett, vice president of Customer
Service. "The credits customers will see on their January bills
from the Grid Transformation and Security Act will help ease the
strain when many customers are feeling the stress of holiday
spending and experiencing higher bills due to cold weather.
Additionally, customers can take small steps toward reducing their
energy use to help keep bills low. We also encourage those who may
be facing financial hardship, including those impacted by the
federal government shutdown, to learn more about special payment
arrangements and take advantage of our energy assistance
programs."
ENERGY-SAVING TIPS
Small adjustments can make a big difference in your energy
bills. Help reduce energy waste and save money by:
- Lowering your thermostat to 68 degrees. Learn more
about your thermostat settings and energy savings by visiting the
U.S. Department of Energy website.
- Sealing air leaks. Seal all holes from pipes and
wires that enter/exit the living space, including entrances,
pull-downs and attic stair openings, light fixtures, pipes and
wires.
- Sealing duct work. Make sure that all duct work is
sealed at joints and intersections with duct sealer or silicone
caulk. Ducts can be sealed using foil-backed tape or silicon
caulking.
- Changing your furnace filters monthly. This is the
number one reason for furnace breakdowns. Inspect heating and
cooling equipment annually, or as recommended by the manufacturer.
Have a professional check and clean furnaces once a year.
- Weather-stripping doors, windows and attic entryways.
Inspect windows and doors for air leaks. If you can see daylight
around a door or window frame, then the door or window needs
sealing. Air leaks can be sealed with caulking or
weather-stripping. Insulate attic entryways.
More energy saving tips can be found here.
ENERGY ASSISTANCE
Dominion Energy offers a number of different options for
customers who are experiencing high winter bills. Customers can
make arrangements through their online account at
www.dominionenergy.com or contact us at 866-366-4357.
Contacting us early may provide more options. Some accommodations
include:
- Budget billing: a convenient option to avoid seasonal
fluctuations in bills. The amount you pay on your electric bill
will be the same every month, making budgeting easier.
- Flexible payment plans: help spread payments out and make them
more manageable.
- Some customers may qualify for additional programs, including
governmental assistance through Virginia 2-1-1 or the Virginia Department of
Social Services.
ENERGYSHARE
EnergyShare is our energy assistance program available to
qualified customers facing financial hardship. The program provides
bill pay assistance and free weatherization and energy-saving
upgrades to low-income and elderly residents, as well as
individuals with disabilities and military veterans facing
financial challenges.
EnergyShare has provided energy assistance to more than 825,000
families and individuals since 1982. The GTSA expanded EnergyShare
with a $130 million commitment
through 2028 to help more Virginians. These additional resources
have broadened EnergyShare's reach, including the launch of the
"100 Homes for 100 Veterans" initiative.
To apply for assistance, customers can call 2-1-1 any time of
day for a referral to their local EnergyShare agency. For program
and eligibility details, visit
https://www.dominionenergy.com/energyshare.
ENERGY CONSERVATION PROGRAM
A special program helps low-income and elderly customers reduce
their energy usage and save money. Energy experts will do a home
visit and pinpoint ways to save energy. In addition to providing a
customized assessment, they may also install selected energy-saving
products. To learn more about the Income and Age-Qualifying Home
Improvement program, click here.
More energy-efficiency programs are expected later this year.
Dominion Energy has submitted 11 programs for approval, which would
bring total proposed energy efficiency spending to more than
$260 million. The GTSA requires
Dominion Energy to propose at least $870
million in energy efficiency programs in the next ten
years.
Dominion Energy takes pride in its record of low, stable rates.
As of January 1, 2019, the typical
residential customer's bill is 8.2 percent lower than the statewide
average, 20.1 percent below the national average, and 23.1 percent
below the East Coast average.
About Dominion Energy
Nearly 7.5 million customers in
18 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or
natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in
Richmond, Va. The company is
committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable, and safe energy and
is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy
with about $100 billion of assets
providing electric generation, transmission and distribution, as
well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution, and
import/export services. As one of the nation's leading solar
operators, the company intends to reduce its carbon intensity 60
percent by 2030. Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation,
as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy
contributed more than $30 million in
2018 to community causes throughout its footprint and beyond.
Please visit www.DominionEnergy.com to learn more.
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SOURCE Dominion Energy