Dominion Energy Increases Support For Customers Struggling Financially During Pandemic

CAYCE, SC (June 22, 2020) – Dominion Energy is expanding assistance to South Carolina customers facing financial hardship by offering more flexible payment plans, extending the “no disconnects” policy through mid-September and providing additional funds to EnergyShare, our annual assistance program. These efforts come as the pandemic continues to affect millions of people across the country. “We are committed to making it easy for customers to work with us and find payment arrangements or plans that best fit their individual budgets and circumstances,” said Rodney Blevins, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina. “This is a difficult time for everyone. We want to help make it a little less stressful.” On March 12, Dominion Energy voluntarily implemented a “no disconnects” policy for South Carolina customers who had fallen behind on their bills. The company also began offering a variety of assistance programs and payment options to help customers. These include short-term and long-term payment arrangements, as well as waiver of reconnection fees and late fees. The state's formal policy suspending disconnections, which was implemented after the company's initial action, expired on May 14. Since then, the company has continued the "no disconnections" policy. To give customers more certainty, Dominion Energy is now extending the policy in South Carolina through September 14, four months from the expiration of the state mandate. The company will also continue to waive late payment fees, reconnection fees, and interest on past due balances during that period. The extension and extended aid apply equally to gas and electricity customers. "During this time, we encourage customers to work with us to develop payment plans for their individual circumstances and if possible, continue to pay their bills as they normally would," Blevins said. “This will help customers avoid a higher balance later on. In the coming months, we will evaluate the next steps based on a number of factors, including the needs of our customers and economic conditions." Blevins also announced today that Dominion Energy is contributing an additional $500,000 to the EnergyShare program to help qualified low-income, disabled and elderly customers with billing assistance for their electricity and natural gas services. “This contribution is in addition to the $250,000 our company committed to the EnergyShare program just a few weeks ago,” Blevins said. “We recognized the need to rapidly grow this assistance program with more funds to be allocated among the 12 community action agencies in our service area.” In addition, Dominion Energy is now offering customers in South Carolina the opportunity to take advantage of a new installment plan, allowing them to spread past due balances over a six-month period, with no interest charges. Many of the company's support options can be conveniently accessed 24/7 through a customer's online account or the Dominion Energy mobile app. Options include: Payment Plans – If a customer is having trouble paying their bill, the company will help them determine the best option for their individual situation. Both short-term payment extensions and long-term payment plans are available. In May, we expanded our budget billing program to help some customers address past due balances. Starting this month, we're offering a special payment plan that spreads overdue balances over a six-month period, with no interest charges. Payment Assistance: Assistance is offered through EnergyShare, which is funded by company contributions, along with donations from customers, employees, and retirees. The South Carolina Department of Management's Office of Economic Opportunity administers the EnergyShare program through community action agencies. Payment assistance is also offered through state and federal programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). More information is available at DominionEnergySC.com/assistance. Energy Efficiency Tips: Managing energy wisely will always help customers save on their natural gas and electricity costs. Dominion Energy provides customers with information and advice on how to be more efficient with their energy use. Customers can visit DominionEnergy.com/WaysToSave for tips on reducing energy use. Scam Awareness: Amid the pandemic, scam activity has increased in South Carolina. Dominion Energy reminds customers that the company will never call and demand immediate payment or request payment of your bill with a prepaid debit or gift card. If customers are unsure if a call is valid, even if a valid number appears on Caller ID, they should not provide information before verifying their account status and payment by logging into their account online, checking your account through the company's mobile app or by calling the company at 800-251-7234. For more information on Dominion Energy's coronavirus respons visit