Dominion Energy commits $1 million to coronavirus relief efforts

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The Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation has committed $1 million to aid COVID-19 relief efforts in the United States.

Of the $1 million, $750,000 will be committed to nonprofits to help assist the communities that Dominion Energy serves. The company provides services to more than 7 million customers in 18 states. Donations to local organizations will help address needs as dictated by response plans.

It is unclear what nonprofits in South Carolina will benefit from the $750,000.

Dominion Energy has also committed $250,000 to the American Red Cross to mobilize response efforts for the coronavirus outbreak in the United States.

Thomas F. Farrell, II, the chairman, president and CEO of Dominion Energy, said the health and well-being of customers and employees is the company’s top priority.

“We are helping customers and communities we serve during this difficult time by maintaining reliable service and providing support and relief to those affected,” Farrell said. “Our contributions to these organizations will help provide the means to lessen the impact of this outbreak.”

The American Red Cross Chief Development Officer Don Herring said the organization is proud to partner with Dominion Energy to help deliver its life-saving mission nationwide due to the coronavirus outbreak.

“As concerns about the coronavirus have grown here in the U.S., the number of cancelled blood drives has increased exponentially,” Herring said. “The need for blood will continue as the outbreak grows, and we are grateful for the support from Dominion Energy to help those in need at this critical time.”

According to a news release, Dominion Energy’s continuity plans are in place, and other steps are being taken to ensure reliable energy service 24/7. This includes securing supplies, reviewing staff plans and coordinating with government health officials.

The company has also suspended all service disconnections for nonpayment, the release said. Residential customers previously disconnected due to nonpayment may contact Dominion Energy for assistance with reconnecting service. In addition, the company is planning to waive late fees and reconnection fees and is seeking approval from utility commissions where required to do so.

On March 14, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster requested all regulated utilities and cooperatives that service South Carolina — including those not currently under the jurisdiction of the Office of Regulatory Staff — to not suspend or disconnect essential services for nonpayment during the state of emergency.

Dominion Energy is encouraging customers to use its digital tools and other resources for routine self-service and 24/7 online account access because call wait-times may be longer than usual.