The Virginia State Corporation Commission has ended the moratorium for utility disconnections for missed payments but consumers in arrears have options with Dominion Energy to meet their obligations.
Virginia consumers who are short on paying for their electric, water, gas and sewer services are affected by Monday’s moratorium termination. The corporation commission urges the Virginia General Assembly to set aside funds for direct assistance to those who are struggling to pay their bills, WTOP reported.
Dominion said it will work with its customers despite the moratorium’s end and will not turn off service for non-payments in the near future. Since June 15, Dominion has offered its customers up to 12 months to begin paying their outstanding balances with no minimum down payment required.
In addition, Dominion has expanded assistance and eligibility for EnergyShare, its bill assistance program to aid those with financial challenges. The energy giant said it has given an extra $500,000 to the EnergyShare program, bringing the total amount available this year to about $13.5 million for its residential customers, WTOP reported.
Dominion’s business customers can be the beneficiaries of the Small Business Relief Program which will offer one-time assistance of up to $1,000 toward unpaid electric bills that may have amassed during the coronavirus pandemic by small firms, nonprofits and houses of worship, WTOP reported.