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.
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.
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Chris Graham
