Virginia Natural Gas awards $750,000 to Salvation Army to assist in winter energy bill relief for residential customers
Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) has awarded a $750,000 grant to the Salvation Army to assist vulnerable customers with energy bills this winter. This is the largest single grant in the company's history, aimed at funding the EnergyShare program, which provides financial aid to those in need. The donation reflects VNG's commitment to community support during challenging times. In 2021, about 120 families received assistance through this program, with that number rising to 150 in 2022. The company emphasizes its partnership with the Salvation Army in helping local families.
- Largest single grant in company history at $750,000.
- Supports EnergyShare program, increasing aid to families in need.
- Rising number of families assisted from 120 in 2021 to 150 in 2022.
- None.
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., Dec. 21, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Virginia Natural Gas (VNG) today announced the awarding of a
The donation will be used to fund EnergyShare, a program administered by the Salvation Army that provides financial assistance with energy costs for those customers experiencing economic hardship.
This is the largest single grant ever presented by the energy company.
"We have a long history of partnering with the Salvation Army to assist in helping our neighbors and community in times of need," said Robert Duvall, president of Virginia Natural Gas. "We know these have been challenging financial times that have put an extra burden on family budgets, and we are here to help the communities we are privileged to serve."
The donation is part of the commitment by Virginia Natural Gas to invest and improve the lives of those in the communities it serves through grants, charitable giving and employee volunteerism. Using non-ratepayer dollars, VNG is committed to distributing grant dollars to organizations that promote its values and impacts its customers, such as energy assistance programs.
According to Major Donald Dohmann, area commander for the Salvation Army of Hampton Roads, the donation is truly a blessing and could not come at a better time since the colder months are approaching and the organization will be able to help more families across the area.
"We are very appreciative of our long-standing partnership with Virginia Natural Gas, and this donation will help and serve families in need, especially this winter," said Dohmann. "There are so many families in our area that need financial assistance with energy bills, among other things, and we can say, 'yes, we can help,' and not turn people away."
EnergyShare is a year-round assistance program that has been helping qualified customers with energy bill payment assistance since 1982. The program is not income based so any customer in financial need is eligible to apply. EnergyShare is administered by the Salvation Army and has traditionally been funded through contributions from Virginia Natural Gas employees and customers who voluntarily make donations via their monthly natural gas bill payment.
In 2021, more than 120 families received assistance from the EnergyShare program, with that number already climbing to 150 families so far in 2022.
"We are grateful for Virginia Natural Gas and the
Virginia Natural Gas is one of four natural gas distribution companies of Southern Company Gas, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO). Virginia Natural Gas provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable natural gas service to more than 300,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in southeast Virginia. Consistently ranked in the top quartile for customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, the company also has been recognized by the Virginia Department of Energy (Virginia Energy) and the Virginia Oil and Gas Association for its safety, innovation, environmental stewardship, community outreach and educational programs, and has been named Local Distribution Company of the Year five times since 2015. The company has been ranked by its business customers as one of the most Trusted Business Partners in the utility industry according to Cogent Reports, and a Top Workplaces in Hampton Roads by Inside Business. For more information, visit virginianaturalgas.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and Nextdoor.
Southern Company Gas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Atlanta-based Southern Company (NYSE:SO), America's premier energy company. Southern Company Gas serves approximately 4.3 million natural gas utility customers through its regulated distribution companies in four states with approximately 600,000 retail customers through its companies that market natural gas. Other nonutility businesses include investments in interstate pipelines and ownership and operation of natural gas storage facilities. For more information, visit southerncompanygas.com.
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SOURCE Virginia Natural Gas
FAQ
What is the purpose of Virginia Natural Gas's $750,000 grant to the Salvation Army?
How does the EnergyShare program help those in need?
How many families received assistance from the EnergyShare program recently?
What is the historical significance of this grant from Virginia Natural Gas?
Who administers the EnergyShare program funded by the grant?
