Energy Assistance Programs for Residential Customers
You deserve peace of mind when it comes to paying your bill. That’s why, if you’re not able to pay your bill, we’re connecting you to available energy assistance funding through the below programs or agencies so that you don’t face this challenge alone, but with our help.
Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF)
Virginia Natural Gas was awarded federal Coronavirus Relief Funds (CRF) in the amount of $4.4M to help eligible customers pay down – or pay off – past account balances accrued between March 1, 2020 and April 30, 2021.
With approximately $1.6M remaining, we have opened up the application process for Phase 2 of our CRF program. If your account is eligible, you will be contacted by Virginia Natural Gas via a letter or email with instructions to complete your application for a grant, which does not need to be repaid.
All applications must be received by Virginia Natural Gas by June 15, 2021.
Applicants will be notified of the status of their grant by July 15, 2021.
2-1-1 Virginia
2-1-1 Virginia connects individuals or families in need to important community resources like emergency shelter, food, clothing or financial assistance. Connect with 211 Virginia by simply dialing 2-1-1 or online at https://www.dss.virginia.gov/community/211.cgi
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
The federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps those in need pay their heating expenses. They provide federally funded assistance to help with managing costs associated with home energy bills, energy crises and weatherization and energy-related minor home repairs. The annual enrollment period for 2020 begins October 13 and runs through November 13.
For additional information, call 800.230.6977, option 9 or visit dss.virginia.gov.
Eligibility:
- Must be resident of the locality in which application is made
- Must have a heating or cooling expense responsibility
- Monthly gross income may not exceed:
- For household size of 1, maximum income is $1,383
- For household size of 2, maximum income is $1,868
- For household size of 3, maximum income is $2,353
- For household size of 4, maximum income is $2,839
- For household size of 5, maximum income is $3,324
- For household size of 6, maximum income is $3,806
- For household size of 7, maximum income is $4,295
- For household size of 8, maximum income is $4,780
Salvation Army EnergyShare
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 1-4:30 p.m. - On the Peninsula: 757.838.4875.
Monday - Friday, 9 a.m.-11 a.m. and 1-2 p.m.
These community-based organizations also may provide help with paying your bill:
- The STOP Organization: 757.858.1360 (South Hampton Roads)
- Hampton Roads Community Action Program: 757.247.6532
Want to contribute to EnergyShare to help a customer in need?
Select $1, $2, $5, $10 or $20 on your monthly bill to add to your payment.
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 from social services: You may need to be interviewed by an eligibility worker, depending on the type of assistance requested.
Contact your county’s department of social services (see below).
Departments of Social Service by County
|
Locality |
Social/Human Services Contact |
|
Norfolk |
757.664.6000 |
|
Virginia Beach |
757.437.3200 |
|
Suffolk |
757.514.7450 |
|
Chesapeake |
757.382.2000 |
|
Hampton |
757.727.1800 |
|
Newport News |
757.926.6300 |
|
Williamsburg City |
757.220.6161 |
|
James City County |
757.259.3100 |
|
York County |
757.890.3787 |
|
Poquoson |
757.890.3787 |
|
New Kent |
804.966.1853 |
|
Hanover |
804.365.4100 |
Make a Gift Payment Any Time of the Year
Help someone in need. Give the gift of warmth by making a gift payment toward someone’s Virginia Natural Gas bill! Download the gift payment form, fill it in and mail it to us at the address you'll find on the form, or call us at 877.572.3342.
Credit Counseling Assistance
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying bills, reach out to ClearPoint, a national, nonprofit credit counseling agency at 800.251.2227 (866.559.8198 for Spanish) or visit ClearPoint’s website. (Usted puede visitar la versión del español Idioma del sitio haciendo clic aquí.)
