Dominion Energy donates $1M to coronavirus aid, suspends service disconnections

SCC directs other utilities to also suspend disconnections.

Published March 16, 2020 by Sydney Lake

The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has donated a total of $1 million for coronavirus aid, which will go to the American Red Cross and local organizations in the 18 states where Dominion operates. It has more than 7 million energy customers.

The charitable foundation for Richmond-based Dominion Energy has specifically committed $250,000 to the American Red Cross and $750,000 to nonprofits for developing response plans.

Dominion is evaluating how the money will be allocated to local nonprofits over the next few days, Dominion spokesperson Audrey Cannon says.

“We are helping customers and communities we serve during this difficult time by maintaining reliable service and providing support and relief to those affected,” Dominion Energy Chairman, President and CEO Thomas F. Farrell II said in a statement. “Our contributions to these organizations will help provide the means to lessen the impact of this outbreak.”

Dominion says that it has reviewed staffing plans and has secured supplies to ensure that customers will have continuous reliable energy. The company has suspended any energy disconnections to customers who had not paid. 

Following Dominion’s announcement Thursday, the State Corporation Commission directed all regulated electric, natural gas and water companies in Virginia to do the same until the coronavirus outbreak subsides.

Dominion says that customers who had previously been disconnected for not paying can contact the company to be reconnected. The company will also waive late fees and reconnection fees.