January 11, 2019 – Virginia’s Dominion Energy is helping customers ease their financial stress this winter by providing them with a one-time bill credit this winter, flexible payment options, information to energy assistance programs and energy-saving tips.
As a result of Virginia’s Grid Transformation and Security Act of 2018—legislation passed by The Virginia General Assembly in 2018—Dominion customers will see a one-time credit of $13 for January’s billing cycle.
Corynne Arnett, Vice President of Customer Service, said, “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. No customer should have to be cold this winter because they can’t afford to pay their electric bill.”
Dominion Energy provides a variety of services for their customers who are experiencing high winter bills, some of them 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.
Dominion Energy provides some tips to cut heating costs this winter:
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.
To learn about assistance programs provided in your area, visit the State Snapshots web page on the LIHEAP Clearinghouse website.
Source: media reports
