Dominion Energy Expands Programs To Help Customers

Dominion Energy is expanding energy efficiency and conservation programs designed to help customers reduce their energy use, which is good for the environment and their monthly bills. These voluntary programs range from weatherization assistance for low-income customers to incentives for builders to incorporate energy efficiency in new homes.

“We’re empowering our customers with more tools and resources they need to take control of their energy use,” said Rusty Harris, vice president and general manager of Dominion Energy’s natural gas business in North Carolina. “Maximizing savings and reducing our environmental impact is what ThermWise is all about.”

Customers can now take advantage of the following ThermWise programs:

• Residential New Construction Program — This program rewards builders that construct energy efficient homes with high efficiency appliances. This results in homes that are more efficient, passing energy savings on to the customer for the life of the structure.
• Equipment Rebates — These rebates support residential and business customers who replace older, less efficient appliances with high-efficiency appliances such as gas furnaces, smart thermostats, water heaters, and commercial cooking equipment, among others.
• Weatherization Assistance Program — This program will offer free in-home energy assessments and the installation of natural gas-saving measures to income-qualifying residential customers.
• Home Energy Report — The report provides insights into customer energy use and that of similar homes, provides conservation tips and information about applicable Dominion Energy program offerings to help them save even more. The report will be available for customers beginning this fall.
• Conservation Education Program — The program reaches elementary school students across North Carolina with in-school theater performances showcasing the importance of saving energy and using natural gas safely.
• Discounted Gas Rate — This program offers a discounted rate to customers who receive Energy Star, North Carolina High Efficiency Residential Option (NC HERO) or LEED certifications for their home or business.

Dominion Energy is also preparing a new voluntary program that would help customers reduce their carbon footprint and support renewable natural gas projects. The proposed program would allow customers to offset carbon emissions from natural gas use in their home by supporting projects, including several in North Carolina, that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. GreenTherm is planned to launch in mid-summer with North Carolina Utilities Commission approval. Additionally, the company is pioneering the use of zero-carbon hydrogen and carbon-beneficial renewable natural gas in North Carolina to reduce emissions.