Dominion Peoples' Universal Service Programs

General Information

Where To Call?

You may directly ask about and apply for Dominion Peoples’ Low-Income Programs by calling 1-800-400-9276 or 1-800-764-0111.

What Are The Names Of Dominion Peoples’ Programs?

• CAP (Customer Assistance Program)
• LIURP (Low Income Usage Reduction Program)
• CARES (Customer Assistance Referral and Evaluation Service)
• Dollar Energy Fund - Hardship Fund

How Can These Programs Benefit Me?

• CAP lowers your monthly gas bill based on the amount of your household income.
• LIURP helps reduce household gas use resulting in lower bills.
  
• CARES connects you to local social service agencies that can help you.
• Dollar Energy Fund provides grants to stop shut-off or to reconnect service.

The CAP Program

What are the actual benefits I can get in CAP?

Reduced monthly payments:

• CAP customers pay a reduced amount for their gas, and the bill will stay the same each month. Your CAP bill will be based on your income level and will be much lower than your normal bill.

Freezing past debt:

• If you were not enrolled in the CAP program in the past, then when you enroll, your past debt will be frozen. This means that as long as you make your CAP payments on time and in full, Dominion Peoples will not make collections on that past due amount and no fees will be applied against the debt.
  
• If you are removed from the CAP program for failing to pay your CAP bill in full and on time, then Dominion Peoples may begin collection on this amount.

Forgiving past debt:

• If you pay your CAP bill in full and on time each month for 12 months AND you pay a $2 co-pay each month for 12 months, 25% of your outstanding debt will be forgiven. Thus, over 4 years your entire debt may be forgiven.
• Once your entire debt is forgiven, you will no longer be required to pay the $2 co-pay.

How do I know if I am eligible for CAP?

To be eligible for Dominion Peoples’ CAP, you must:

• Use gas to heat your residence;
• Have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal poverty income guidelines (click here to view a table with the Federal poverty income guidelines); and
• Have defaulted on at least one payment agreement in the past.

What are my responsibilities to get into and stay in CAP?

• You must contact Dominion Peoples to apply. You can call them at 1-800-764-0111 or 1-800-400-WARM (9276).
• You must fill out an application and verify your income.
• You must pay your CAP bill on time and in full each month
  
• If you have past debt that is frozen, then you must pay a $2 co-pay each month.
  
• You may not use more than 10% more gas once you are enrolled in CAP than you used before you enrolled in CAP.

Can I be removed from CAP?

• Yes, you may be removed from CAP if you do not pay your CAP bill in full and on time two times in a row.
• If your household income increases above the eligibility guidelines, or you do not provide the requested annual income information, or you do not comply with program guidelines, then you may be removed from the program.

Can I get back into CAP if I am removed from the program?

• Yes. To get back into CAP, you must pay all of the CAP bills you missed.

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The LIURP Program

What is LIURP?

Dominion Peoples’ LIURP program helps households with high natural gas use levels conserve energy and reduce monthly energy bills.

How can I qualify for LIURP?

• You must have a household income at or below 150% of the Federal poverty income guidelines (click here to view a table with the Federal poverty income guidelines); and
  
• You must use gas to heat your residence and have lived in the current location or plan to live in the current location for one year.
  
• You must use at least 140 MCF of natural gas per year or have an average bill of at least $140 per month.
  
• Renters may qualify, but you must have the account in your name.
  
• Customers who participate in the company’s CAP program will receive priority for LIURP.

What are the actual benefits of LIURP?

• By participating in LIURP, you may reduce the amount of energy you use each month. This will most likely result in lower monthly bills.
  
• By participating in LIURP, you will receive a free home energy usage review; education to help you learn how to reduce your energy use; and the installation of energy conservation measures, such as furnace repairs/replacements

What are my responsibilities as a LIURP participant?

• To receive services, you must agree to submit verification of your household income as part of the application process.
  
• As a participant, you must agree to allow a utility employee (or subcontractor) to inspect your residence and perform an energy audit.
  
• You must also agree to allow a utility employee (or subcontractor) to inspect your residence one year after the conservation measures are installed. This allows the utility to determine if the conservation measures have been cost effective and helped you to reduce your energy consumption.

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The CARES Program

Dominion Peoples’ CARES program helps customers unable to pay their natural gas bills due to a temporary hardship. The CARES program connects customers with resources located in their own community. These community resources then help the customer manage his/her problems

How do I qualify for CARES?

• To qualify for the CARES program, you must be a heating customer with an income at or below 200% of the Federal poverty income guidelines (click here to view a table with the Federal poverty income guidelines).

What are the benefits to me of participating in CARES?

• Participants in CARES can receive free referrals to assistance agencies in the local community, such as a nonprofit organization or social service agency.
• Participants in CARES can receive referrals to other Dominion Peoples’ Universal Services programs.
• Participants in CARES may participate in the Customer Assistance Program, which is a special payment arrangement if they are eligible.

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Dollar Energy Fund Hardship Fund Program

Dominion Peoples’ hardship fund program provides customers with cash assistance to help pay down their outstanding balances. This program is operated by Dollar Energy Fund, a nonprofit partner of Dominion Peoples.

What are the benefits of applying for a Dollar Energy Fund grant?

If you qualify, you may receive up to $500 toward the payment of your past due utility debt.

When can I request a grant from Dollar Energy Fund?

You can apply all year, depending upon program availability. Dollar Energy Fund’s program year runs from October 1 to September 30, but it may close early if funds are used up. It is best to apply in October when funds are at their highest levels.

How do I qualify for a Dollar Energy Fund hardship grant?

If you are below 62 years of age:

• You must have household income at or below 200% of the Federal poverty income guidelines (click here to view a table with the Federal poverty income guidelines);
• You must have paid at least $150 toward your bill over the past 90 days;
  
• You must have more than $100 as a past due balance.

If you are 62 years of age or older:

• You must have household income at or below 200% of the Federal poverty income guidelines (click here to view a table with the Federal poverty income guidelines), and
• You must have paid at least $100 toward your bill over the past 90 days.
• You must have a $0 balance or greater.

If you qualify to receive a LIHEAP grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare, then you must apply for one before you can apply for a Dollar Energy Fund grant.

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