Dominion Energy offers energy saving tips and bill payment assistance options as winter approaches
Free Press staff report | 11/16/2023, 6 p.m.
The fall and winter months typically bring higher energy bills as customers use more electricity to heat their homes. Dominion Energy Virginia is reminding customers of energy-saving tips to help save money. The utility also offers bill payment assistance options for customers in need.
“We offer several programs that help our customers save money and improve the energy efficiency of their homes,” said Ed Baine, President of Dominion Energy Virginia. “For information about our energy-saving tips and programs, please visit our website or contact us so we can assist.”
Start with these four changes to prepare for cooler temperatures ahead:
• Set the thermostat at 68 degrees or lower during colder months.
• Install a smart thermostat that automatically lowers the temperature overnight or while no one is at home.
• Caulk, seal and weather-strip around all seams, cracks, and openings – especially exterior doors and windows – to protect your home from drafts. Check air filters monthly and change them when dirty. Also, check ductwork for leaks and tears.
• Schedule a virtual home energy audit to find more home energy savings.
• More energy conservation tips and programs can be found here: www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/save-energy.
In addition, several programs are available to help customers cover their winter heating costs:
EnergyShare Bill Payment Assistance
Dominion Energy Virginia’s EnergyShare program offers up to $600 in bill payment assistance from Oct. 1 through May 31. The program is not income-based.
Anyone needing help to pay heating bills may qualify for assistance. Individuals 60 and older, military veterans and people with disabilities may be eligible for additional assistance. For more info go to Virginia 211.
EnergyShare Weatherization Programs
Customers who receive EnergyShare bill payment assistance may also be eligible to receive a free home energy assessment and free energy efficiency upgrades to help save on their energy costs.
Extended Payment Plans
Dominion offers extended payment plans to help customers who’ve fallen behind on their electric bills. Eligible customers can make a 50% down payment on their past due bill and spread the remaining balance over six months. Customers may sign in to their account online to see if they qualify.
Budget Billing
Dominion’s budget billing program helps customers avoid seasonal fluctuations with their energy bills. Monthly budget bill amounts are based on the average of the customer’s previous 12 months of usage.
Customers may sign-in to their account online to see if they qualify.
A full list of all Dominion Energy customer assistance options is available here: www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/billing/energy-assistance or by calling: 866-366-4357.
Electric rates to remain the same
Good news for customers of Dominion Energy.
Dominion has agreed to keep its base rates in Virginia unchanged for two more years and to rebate $15 million in credits to customers in their bills, it was announced Tuesday.
The company released the information after reaching agreement with the staff of the State Corporation Commission, the Attorney General’s Office and other key parties on rate levels for 2024 and 2025, according to a news release.
Examples of other parties who signed on, according to Dominion, are the U.S. Department of the Navy and major corporate energy users such as Microsoft, Google and Walmart and advocacy groups such as the Virginia Committee for Fair Utility Rates and the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington.
The agreement will become official next year after SCC judges approve it, Dominion stated.
