RICHMOND - Small business and residential customers facing financial hardship can now receive support on their energy bills through Dominion Energy's industry-leading EnergyShare program.
Dominion Energy is supplementing its $13 million annual program contribution in Virginia with $1 million this year to further help customers in need of bill assistance, due to coronavirus impacts. Small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship will be eligible for $500,000, while the remaining $500,000 will be reserved for residential customers.
For small businesses, a temporary Small Business Relief Program will offer one-time assistance of up to $1,000 toward unpaid Dominion Energy Virginia electric bills that may have accrued during the pandemic. To ensure the funds reach those organizations most in need, Dominion Energy is announcing a partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is establishing an advisory council, including representatives from: Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Asian Foundation
Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Urban League of Hampton Roads
Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives
Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
Asian American Chamber of Commerce
Metropolitan Business League of Richmond
The council will raise program awareness in the business community, review applications and award assistance to eligible businesses. The Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation will administer the program and United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg will manage distribution of funds, as they have done for EnergyShare since the program's inception in 1982. Support for nonprofits and houses of worship will also be administered through the Small Business Relief Program.
'While small businesses are focused on resuming their operations, bringing back their workforce, and prioritizing the health and safety of their customers and employees, the EnergyShare Small Business Relief Program lends a hand to those at the heart of our economy,' said Barry DuVal, President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. 'The landscape continues to change due to the ongoing pandemic and many small businesses are in vital need of additional support - that is why the Virginia Chamber Foundation is proud to partner with Dominion Energy on this relief program.'
Energy Share is funded with company contributions, an expense not recovered through customer rates, along with donations from employees, retirees and the public.
About Dominion Energy
More than 7 million customers in 20 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 to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050.
About the Virginia Chamber Foundation
The Virginia Chamber Foundation tracks Virginia's economic competitiveness, conducts research and analysis, and hosts programs - connected to the priorities of Blueprint Virginia 2025. In December 2017, the Chamber released an update to its long-term strategic economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2025, which engaged over 6,000 business and community leaders to lay out a plan to getting Virginia back to the top of national business climate rankings. In the fall of 2020, the Virginia Chamber will begin to cultivate policy recommendations and foster key discussions for the next update, Blueprint Virginia 2030.
About United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg
United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg empowers individuals and addresses systemic problems to provide everyone with a clear path to success. We do this by conducting research, funding programs and organizations, driving systems-level change and engaging with individuals in 11 localities across the region. Learn more at YourUnitedWay.org.
Contact:
Audrey Cannon
Tel: 804-771-6115
Email: Audrey.L.Cannon@dominionenergy.com
DOMINION ENERGY, INC. 
