Dominion Energy Virginia expands programs to help customers hurt by COVID-19

Dominion Energy Virginia has expanded the number of initiatives if offers to assist Virginia customers facing hardship due to the COVID-19 crisis.

“We recognize the challenges that many are facing and want customers to know we are here to help, as we continue to navigate this pandemic together,” Robert Blue, co-chief operating officer and executive vice president at Dominion Energy Virginia, said. “Our mission of supporting our customers and the communities they live in has never been more important.”

For starters, Dominion Energy Virginia is looking to extend its initiate to suspend disconnections. The initial policy is set to expire on June 15. The company is now seeking approval to extend it to October 14. This means that the company would not disconnect anyone’s service for falling behind on their bills due to the crisis.

“During that time, we will encourage customers to work with us to develop payment plans for their unique circumstances. At the end of the proposed extension, we will re-evaluate next steps based on a range of factors, including the needs of our customers and economic conditions at that time,” company officials said.

Also, starting June 15, the company will expand its long-term payment plans and offer customers up to 12 months to pay past due amounts, with no minimum down payment required.

Additionally, Dominion Energy Virginia is offering payment assistance by increasing the allocations from its EnergyShare program, a year-round assistance program for individuals and families facing financial hardship. Starting June 1, the maximum benefit was increased to $1,200 for this year, up from $900. The company also intends to implement a temporary program to help small business customers.

The company has also made available to its customers tips to save energy and information to avoid pandemic related scams.

Dominion Energy Virginia is part of Dominion Energy, which serves more than 7 million customers in 20 states.