Electric News Releases - 1999

June 1, 1999

Virginia Power, Department For The Aging Begin 1999 'Fan Care' Program

RICHMOND, Va. – A partnership program between Virginia Power and the Department for the Aging today begins providing box fans to elderly Virginians who will need help cooling their homes this summer.

For the ninth consecutive year, Virginia Power is the primary sponsor of the "Fan Care" program, administered by the Virginia Department for the Aging.

In 1998, Fan Care distributed more than 2,369 fans to elderly Virginians in the Virginia Power service territory. More than 15,000 fans have been distributed to those in need since the program began.

"Many people, especially older Virginians, can become quite uncomfortable during Virginia's humid summers. The cooling effects of one fan can make a real difference to a person who is confined indoors and without air conditioning," said Eva S. Teig, senior vice president-External Affairs & Corporate Communications of Dominion Resources Inc. "We are glad that our successful partnership with the Department of the Aging can make a difference."

Local Area Agencies on Aging administer Fan Care by screening applicants and distributing fans.

"Sustained high temperatures, coupled with humidity during July and August, can be potentially life-threatening to elderly citizens. Without adequate cooling, even

locations in the shade or inside a home can become unbearable," said Dr. Ann McGee, commissioner of the Department for the Aging.

"It is for this reason that we strive to reach as many people as possible through Fan Care," she said.

Virginia Power donated $27,500 to the Fan Care program this year, all of which will go toward the purchase of fans.

For the fifth year, Wal-Mart is serving as the sole retailer providing fans to local Area Agencies on Aging at a discounted rate as a Fan Care Partner. This will enable the program to purchase more fans with the available funding.

To be eligible for Fan Care, an individual must:

• Live in Virginia.
• Be age 60 or older.
• Have a need for cooling assistance.
• Meet income guidelines defined by the Area Agencies on Aging.

Eligible clients can receive one fan per cooling season, and the fans become the property of the recipients. The program will continue until Sept. 30 or as long as funds last.

The Association of Electric Cooperatives sponsors the program in the areas it serves. Virginia Power invites other utilities, electric cooperatives, municipalities and businesses to contribute as Fan Care partners.

Anyone can make a tax-deductible contribution to Fan Care by mailing a check in any amount to the local Area Agency on Aging nearest to them. Checks should be made payable to the agency; a list of agencies is available upon request. Organizations wishing to become Fan Care Partners should contact the Virginia Department for the Aging toll-free at (800) 552-3402.

Virginia Power is the principal subsidiary of Dominion Resources Inc., (NYSE: D), an international energy business with headquarters in Richmond.

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