COLUMBIA, S.C. — Dominion Energy announced the electric and gas company will be extending its "no disconnection" policy for qualifying customers who find themselves behind on their energy bills as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The company is also offering more flexible payment plans to South Carolina customers facing financial hardship.
Dominion's "no disconnection" policy was first enacted on March 12, 2020, and allowed customers who had fallen behind on their bills to work out payment options that included short-term and long-term payment plans and waivers of reconnection fees and late fees. That policy will now remain in effect until September 14, 2020.
In a statement, Rodney Blevins, president of Dominion Energy South Carolina, said “This is a difficult time for everyone. We want to help make it a little less stressful.
"During this time, we encourage customers to work with us to develop payment plans for their unique circumstances and to continue paying their bill as they normally would, if able. This will help customers avoid a larger balance later. In the coming months, we will evaluate next steps based on a range of factors, including the needs of our customers and economic conditions.”
The company will also be contributing $500,000 to EnergyShare to help qualified low-income, disabled and elderly customers with bill assistance for their electric and natural gas services.
Many of the company’s assistance options can be conveniently accessed 24/7 through a customer’s online account or Dominion Energy’s mobile app. Options include:
- Payment plans: If a customer is having trouble paying their bill, the company will help them determine the best option for their unique situation. Both short-term payment extensions and long-term payment plans are available.Starting this month, Dominion is offering a special installment plan that spreads past due balances over a six-month period, with no interest charges.
- Payment assistance: Assistance is offered through EnergyShare, which is funded with company contributions, along with donations from customers, employees and retirees. The South Carolina Department of Administration’s Office of Economic Opportunity administers the EnergyShare program through community action agencies. Payment assistance is also offered through state and federal programs, such as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). More information is available at DominionEnergySC.com/assistance.
- Energy efficiency tips: Managing energy wisely will always help customers save on natural gas and electric costs. Dominion Energy provides customers with information and tips on how to be more efficient with their energy usage. Customers can visit DominionEnergy.com/WaysToSave for tips on reducing energy usage.
To see if you are qualified for assistance, call 2-1-1 or (866) 892-9211