Virginia Natural Gas Encourages Customers to Explore Bill Payment Assistance Programs Ahead of Winter Heating Season
Virginia Natural Gas reminds customers that help is available through LIHEAP, EnergyShare and other resources
VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Oct. 13, 2026 – As customers prepare for colder temperatures and increased home heating usage this fall and winter, Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) is encouraging residential customers to learn about the various energy assistance and energy-efficiency programs available to help manage household energy costs.
"Our customers' financial well-being is important to us, and we want them to know assistance is available before higher seasonal energy use arrives," said Shannon O. Pierce, president and CEO of Virginia Natural Gas. "Whether through payment assistance programs, flexible payment arrangements or tools that help improve energy efficiency at home, we're committed to connecting customers with resources that can make a meaningful difference."
Several programs are available to assist income-eligible households, seniors, veterans and customers experiencing temporary financial hardship, including:
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
LIHEAP is a federal and state-funded program designed to help eligible households offset winter heating costs. The 2026 enrollment period begins Oct. 13 and runs through Nov. 13, 2026.
Customers interested in applying for assistance can call 800.230.6977 and select option 9, contact their local department of social services or visit dss.virginia.gov for more information.
EnergyShare
Virginia Natural Gas partners with The Salvation Army to offer EnergyShare, a year-round energy assistance program funded through voluntary contributions from VNG customers and employees.
In addition to serving income-eligible households, seniors and veterans, the program has expanded to assist ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households and customers living on fixed incomes who may not qualify for traditional assistance programs but still need support managing household expenses.
Budget Plan
Customers looking for more predictable energy bills may benefit from Virginia Natural Gas' Budget Plan, which helps reduce seasonal bill fluctuations by spreading annual energy costs into equal monthly payments.
To enroll, customers must be current on their natural gas bill. Customers with a past-due balance may be eligible to establish a payment arrangement before enrolling.
Customers can sign up online through My Account at virginianaturalgas.com or by calling 866.229.3578. Once enrolled, the Budget Plan amount will appear on the customer's next bill.
Crisis Assistance and Community Resources
Customers seeking additional assistance are encouraged to call 211 Virginia, which connects residents with local resources for utility bill assistance and other essential services.
Flexible Payment Options Available
Customers who do not qualify for assistance programs or who still have a past-due balance may be eligible for payment arrangements that provide additional time to pay their account balance and avoid potential service disruption. Customers can explore available options through their online My Account portal or by contacting Virginia Natural Gas customer service.
For more information about energy assistance programs, payment options and energy-efficiency resources, visit www.virginianaturalgas.com or call 211 to connect with available community assistance programs.
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About Virginia Natural Gas
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies under Southern Company Gas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Serving more than 310,000 customers in southeast Virginia, the company celebrated its 175th anniversary in 2025. Ranked as a Most Trusted Utility Brand by Escalent, Virginia Natural Gas is committed to resilient and sustainable fuel solutions that meet the growing needs of customers, communities and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Southern Company Gas
Southern Company Gas is a wholly owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE: SO), one of America’s premier energy companies. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.4 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states and more than 600,000 retail customers through its natural gas marketing businesses. The company also invests in interstate pipelines, provides asset management for natural gas wholesale customers, and owns and operates natural gas storage facilities.
For more information, visit http://www.southerncompanygas.com.
Media Contact:
Morgan Chase
Office: 757-616-7510 | Cell: 757-725-6916
mchase@southernco.com | https://www.virginianaturalgas.com/news/press-releases.html