Virginia Natural Gas Shares Bill Payment Assistance Programs Available for Customers

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – October 10, 2023 – With colder days looming ahead, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) is reinforcing its commitment to assist all customers, especially those who are financially struggling, by providing easy-access to a wide range of bill payment assistance programs, while promoting overall energy efficiency.

VNG has a long history in support of energy assistance and efficiency programs for its customers. The Company accomplishes this by providing easy access to bill payment assistance and energy efficiency information, while providing practical solutions for customers who are in financial need.  

As the colder months of the year approach, VNG is prioritizing our customers’ safety and wellbeing. We are here to help all our customers, especially those who are struggling financially.

"We understand that when temperatures drop, energy consumption will rise, putting pressure on household budgets. VNG is committed to ensuring our customers are well informed of the resources they have available to help them when times get hard,” said Robert Duvall, President of Virginia Natural Gas. “We care about our customers, and we will offer them all our practical support.”

Key programs are as follows:

LIHEAP Enrollment: The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is open for enrollment from Oct. 10-Nov. 10, 2023. LIHEAP aids individuals in paying heating expenses, and applications can be submitted through local Social Services. The federal- and state-funded energy assistance program helps income-eligible families, including senior citizens and persons with disabilities, meet their energy needs during the winter heating season. All benefits are based on the availability of funds and are available on a first-come, first-served basis for those meeting certain eligibility requirements. Eligibility is based on several factors, including household size and income up to 150% of the federal poverty level, which for a family of four equates to a gross monthly income of $3,750 or less. VNG encourages customers in need to call 800.230.6977, option 9 or visit the Virginia Department of Social Services website at https://dss.virginia.gov.

EnergyShare Program: Administered by the Salvation Army, EnergyShare is a year-long energy assistance program which VNG supports through voluntary contributions from our employees and customers. It extends support to income-eligible households, including seniors and veterans. Interested customers should call their local Salvation Army to make an appointment (no walk-ins please).

Crisis Assistance: Crisis assistance is intended for emergency situations only and will help eligible households when fuel assistance and other resources do not meet their needs. VNG encourages customers in need to contact the Virginia Department of Social Services or their county’s department of social services for more information.

Deferred Payment Arrangements: Customers who do not qualify for energy assistance or have a past due balance are encouraged to set up payment arrangements with VNG in order to prevent disconnection.  Even if a customer is seeking energy assistance funding, customers are encouraged to look at our deferred payment arrangement options in order to avoid disconnection. 

211 Virginia: 211 Virginia connects individuals or families in need to important community resources like emergency shelter, food, clothing or financial assistance. Customers seeking to do so can connect by dialing 211 or visiting http://www.211virginia.org.

In addition to these bill payment assistance programs, Virginia Natural Gas offers free tools and resources to improve home energy efficiency through our Energy Efficiency Program, which can help customers save energy and money. Customers are encouraged to take our online home energy audit and request a free energy-saving kits.  Our energy savings kits come with easy-to-install items that can help make difference on a home’s energy consumption. To get started, customers can visit virginianaturalgas.com/energyefficiency.

To learn more about Virginia Natural Gas's Energy Assistance Programs visit our website, virginianaturalgas.com/energyassistance.