Change is constant, but so is our commitment to EnergyShare—which is why, for nearly 40 years, Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program has provided support to our Virginia communities when they need it most. The COVID-19 pandemic is no exception. Since the global pandemic began in 2020, an unparalleled number of customers have experienced job loss, medical emergencies, reduced income, and other life-altering crises. As a result, we have changed the way we do business to try to help those who need it most.

Prioritizing the safety and comfort of our customers and communities, in March of 2020, Dominion Energy voluntarily suspended all disconnections for non-payment, as well as waived all reconnection and late fees. In accordance with the budget passed during the 2020 Special Session of the Virginia General Assembly, Dominion Energy applied more than $200 million in bill credits to the past due balances of more than 362,000 jurisdictional customer accounts.

The moratorium on disconnections and one-time bill credits temporarily impacted the number of customers seeking assistance through EnergyShare bill assistance; however, recognizing that energy use was increasing due to more customers being at home, EnergyShare relaxed its eligibility guidelines. EnergyShare doubled the cooling season benefit amount – increasing it from $300 to $600 per customer – to address growing electric account balances. Additionally, realizing that small businesses were also affected by the pandemic, Dominion Energy has donated $1 million in support of small business relief since creating the program in September 2020.

Safety concerns have significantly impacted the EnergyShare weatherization providers’ ability to enter the homes of our customers. As more people are being vaccinated, weatherization projects are steadily increasing.

Although not in jeopardy of being disconnected, nearly 17,000 individuals and their families received assistance through the EnergyShare program - many for the first time due to the pandemic. In these times of uncertainty, our customers can be certain that EnergyShare will be there to help.