Energy AssistanceAt Virginia Natural Gas, we believe there is more than a good way to do business; there is a right way. One of the ways we give back to the communities in which we live and serve is by helping those who might need assistance paying their natural gas bills.
Get Assistance
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Please note that the application period deadline has passed.
Crisis Assistance
Crisis Assistance is intended for emergency situations. It helps eligible households when Fuel Assistance or other resources cannot meet the need. Some examples of emergencies include: lack of heat, utility cut-off is imminent, and inoperable or unsafe heating equipment. Types of Crisis Assistance may include: payment of utility security deposit; purchase of portable space heater; purchase of primary home heating fuel; payment for emergency shelter; payment of primary heat utility bill; repair of heating equipment; replacement of heating equipment; and/or provision of supplemental heating equipment/maintenance.
To be eligible for Crisis Assistance, there must be a heating emergency and certain income and citizenship criteria must be met. Applications for equipment-related assistance, security deposits and emergency shelter are accepted from Nov. 1 through March 15 at local departments of social services. Assistance for the purchase of heating fuel and utility bills for primary residences are available from the first workday In January through March 15.
Steps to Apply
• Complete screening for potential eligibility
• Submit application to your local department of social services (you can also pick up an application at your local office or ask them to mail one to you).
• Note: You may need to be interviewed by an eligibility worker, depending on the type of assistance requested.
(Information from Department of Social Services)
Other Assistance Is Available
Virginia Natural Gas and its customers donate funding for the EnergyShare program, which is administered by the Salvation Army and offers assistance with energy costs. Call your local Salvation Army to make an appointment. Please, no walk-ins.
• South Hampton Roads: 757-543-8100. Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - noon and 1-3 p.m.
• Suffolk: 757-539-5201. Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4 p.m.
• On the Peninsula: 757-838-4875. Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4:30 p.m.
These community-based organizations also may provide help with paying your bill:
• The STOP Organization - 757-858-1360 (South Hampton Roads)
• Office of Human Affairs - 757-244-6121 (on the Peninsula)
Consumer Credit Counseling Service
If you’re having trouble paying your natural gas bill, we encourage you to contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service. Call 1-800-251-CCCS (1-800-251-2227) or visit the CCCS Web site. (Para visitar el CCCS en español del sitio Web, haga clic aquí.)
Give Assistance
Again and again, Americans show that they are willing to help when times get tough. This humanitarian spirit can also extend to people in your community who need help with their natural gas bills. To help provide assistance with heating bills, you may donate to EnergyShare at any time during the year. EnergyShare funds are administered through the Salvation Army and are provided by voluntary donations from customers like you. To donate, just add $1, $2, $5, $10, $15 or $20 to your monthly bill payment. Our system will automatically recognize your overpayment in the amounts noted above as a donation to EnergyShare. (PLEASE NOTE: If you would like to pay ahead on your bill, add an amount other than $1, $2, $5, $10, $15 or $20, so that your account is noted correctly.)