PIPP is a billing program helping income challenged Dominion Energy customers manage their electric bills year-round.

Your monthly bill amount, or “PIPP Amount,” is based on a percentage of your household income and primary heat source.

• Electric heat = 10% of income
• Other heat source = 6% of income

PIPP Billing Example

For example, if your monthly income is $1,000 and your primary heat source is electric, your monthly PIPP payment would be capped at $100 (10% of your income).

PIPP participants pay a set PIPP amount each month instead of the actual bill amount. The PIPP amount makes it easier to manage the seasonal ups and downs of the energy bill.

In addition, PIPP customers do not pay a security deposit and are not assessed late fees.

Each month the PIPP amount due is paid in-full and on-time, a portion of the actual account balance is removed through incentive credits applied to the account.

• A credit for the difference between the current bill amount and the PIPP amount due.
• A 1/12th credit of the past due balance (calculated at enrollment).

Make 12 consecutive months of on-time and in-full payments from enrollment, and your entire balance will be eliminated.

• Make your monthly PIPP payment on-time and in-full to earn credits to reduce your account balance.
• Seek bill payment assistance if you are unable to pay your PIPP payment on-time and in-full.
• You are required to reverify your income with the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS) every 12 months or as your household income changes. Failure to reverify income may result in being removed from the program.
• Choose to set up an online account at DominionEnergy.com and select AutoPay. It’s the easiest way to ensure your monthly PIPP payment is made on-time and in-full.

• You will not earn that month’s Incentive Credits.
• You will owe the missed PIPP payment and your current PIPP payment on your next bill.
• Your service may be subject to disconnection for non-payment.
• If your account closes due to non-payment, your account may be removed from PIPP.
• If you are removed from PIPP, your entire account balance is due. This includes any charges accumulated prior to PIPP enrollment.

Eligibility Requirements

• Customer must have an active account with Dominion Energy.
• Household income cannot exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Visit the VDSS website for income limit information.

How to Apply

PIPP applications and eligibility are managed by the Virginia Department of Social Services year-round. Applications are accepted:

• Option 1: Online: commonhelp.virginia.gov
• Option 2: In Person/By Mail/By Fax: Through your local Department of Social Services
• English PIPP application
• Spanish PIPP application

Your first PIPP payment is due when your account is enrolled in PIPP. If you are unable to pay at enrollment, the missed PIPP payment amount will be added to your next bill. 

Enrollment and Eligibility:

Can a household member apply for PIPP on behalf of the account holder?

Yes, the applicant does not need to be the account holder.

How much PIPP will I pay if my income is $0?

The minimum PIPP amount a customer will pay is $10.

Can I apply for PIPP on my gas account?

No, per legislation PIPP is only for Dominion Energy and APCo customers for the electric bill.

What do I do if my income changes?

Contact your local Department of Social Services or go online to CommonHelp and access your account to update your information.

If I have more than one account, will PIPP apply to all my accounts?

No, PIPP will only apply to the primary service account.

My utilities are included in my rent, can I participate in PIPP?

No, the account would not be eligible.

Payment:

When is my first PIPP payment due?

The first PIPP payment is due when the account is enrolled for the current bill. The PIPP amount will override the bill amount, disconnect amount or reconnect amount.

What is considered an on-time and in-full PIPP payment?

A payment for the total PIPP due is posted to your account before the next utility bill is issued.

Can I pre-pay on PIPP?

No, you must pay your PIPP amount due each month on-time and in-full to receive incentive credits.

Can I get a short-term extension while on PIPP?

No, you have until your next bill is generated to make your PIPP payment.

If I cannot pay my PIPP amount, may I still apply for bill payment assistance?

Yes, you may apply for any assistance program for help with your PIPP amount due.

What happens if I paid on-time but the payment and credits are not showing on my account?

Contact Dominion Energy to discuss the issue at 866-DOM-HELP (866-366-4357). Please have information about your payment ready.

Are PIPP participants charged any additional fees?

PIPP participants are not charged deposits or late payment fees. Customers will be assessed reconnect fees, returned items and unauthorized usage charges. These charges will need to be paid before any payments will apply to the PIPP amount due.

Can incentive credits be reversed?

Yes, the incentive credits can be reversed for non-sufficient funds.

Disconnects and Reconnects:

Will applying for PIPP stop a disconnection of service?

No, the disconnect will not be stopped due to a pending PIPP application. If the PIPP application is approved by the DSS while the account is in disconnect status, the customer must pay the PIPP amount to stop the disconnect.

Can I be disconnected on PIPP?

Yes, your service may be subject to disconnection for non-payment of your PIPP amount due.

If I am disconnected on PIPP, what amount must I pay to reconnect service?

The past due PIPP amount would need to be paid to reconnect service as long as the account is still active.

What happens if my account closes?

Your account will be removed from PIPP and the entire account balance is due to establish new service.

Additional Questions:

Are there any restrictions for customers on PIPP?

When enrolled in PIPP, you are not eligible to enroll in other Dominion Energy billing programs such as short and long term payment plans, budget billing, and other billing programs.

What programs offered by Dominion Energy can a PIPP customer participate in?

PIPP participants are encouraged to set up an online account at DominionEnergy.com and select AutoPay to ensure the monthly PIPP payment is made on-time and in-full. PIPP participants may also enroll in the Serious Medical Condition Certification and Products and Services.

My PIPP amount is based on a percentage of my income. What happens to the remaining balance?

If the PIPP amount is paid on-time and in-full, you will earn credits to reduce your account balance. After 12 months of consecutive on-time and in-full PIPP payments from enrollment, your entire balance will be eliminated.

If I move, what will happen to my PIPP?

PIPP will not transfer to the new account. If you wish to continue participating in PIPP after transferring your service, please re-apply via CommonHelp or contact your local Department of Social Services.

What happens to my balance if I do not remain a Dominion Energy customer?

PIPP is for customers with active Dominion Energy service. If you move out of Dominion Energy’s service territory and no longer have active service, you will be responsible for repayment of the remaining account balance.

Can a customer be dropped from PIPP?

Yes, if the account is closed, the customer does not reverify their income after 12 months, or the customer does not comply with PIPP guidelines, PIPP may be removed from the account and the entire account balance will be due.

What happens if I no longer want to be on PIPP?

You may contact Dominion Energy or the DSS to have PIPP removed from your account. Once PIPP is removed, you will be responsible for your entire account balance.

How do I file an appeal?

If you do not agree with your PIPP amount, you may have a conference or hearing on your case by doing one of the following within 30 days of the written notice of action taken on your application or case:

• Submit the request at http://www.dss.virginia.gov/appeals/bp.cgi.
• Send a written request to the Virginia Department of Social Services, Attention: Hearing and Legal Services Manager, 5600 Cox Road, Glen Allen, VA 23060, or appeals@dss.virginia.gov.

Weatherization and Energy Efficiency:

Can I get weatherization while on PIPP?

Yes, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) can perform a free energy audit for PIPP participants.

Is weatherization required?

No, however customers are encouraged to participate to conserve energy and for comfort in the home.

• Dominion Energy Virginia PIPP Brochure – English
• Dominion Energy Virginia PIPP Brochure – Spanish

Dominion Energy provides a variety of payment options for our customers. A few of these options are listed below.

Online for free: Make an immediate payment or schedule a payment from your checking account. It’s free!

Online or by phone: Pay using a debit or credit card as a One Time Payment or call 866-366-4357.

• $1.65 transaction fee
• Payment will reflect immediately as a pending payment on your account

In person: Visit any authorized payment center to pay your bill.

• $1.50 convenience fee
• Payment will reflect immediately as a pending payment on your account

Need more time to pay? Special payment arrangements are available for a limited time.

Sign in to see if you're eligible or call us at 866-366-4357 to set up a plan.

• Available for residential and commercial customers.
• There are no fees associated with payment plans.

Short-Term Payment Extensions

A payment extension provides more time to pay your bill. Participation depends on the status of your account (see if you’re eligible).

• A short-term payment extension allows you extra time to pay your bill, however you cannot schedule this payment past your next bill date.

Long-Term Payment Plans

A long-term payment plan is an agreement to pay your current bill and a set amount towards a past due balance, each month. It divides the past due balance into equal payments.

• A long-term payment plan may require a down payment and will spread out the remaining balance up to 6 months, allowing you to pay a portion of your balance in addition to your current monthly bill charges.
• Extensions can be made while on Bank Draft or Budget Bill.
• Over payments will be deducted from the next month’s set amount.
• Failure to pay the amount agreed upon will break the arrangement and may limit the ability for future plans.

Pay the same amount each month. There are no extra fees.

• Reduce bill fluctuations due to hot or cold weather. Budget makes it easier to manage your budget and expenses with a predictable bill.
• Your monthly budget bill is the average of your previous 12 bills.
• You'll receive a bill with your actual charges but will be billed the Budget amount.
• The budget amount is reviewed periodically and may increase or decrease based on how much energy is used.

Requirements

• Your account must be current to enroll
• 12 months of billing history is required for the budget billing calculation
• If you miss two payments, you will be unenrolled and the total account balance will be due

Manage Account

Easily manage your bill or make payments online 24/7.

eBill

24/7 online access to view, pay, or print your bill from anywhere.

• Receive email or text notifications when a new bill is ready or before your bill is due.
• Free same day payments from your bank account.

DISCONTINUANCE OF ELECTRIC SERVICE

1. The Company reserves the right to discontinue Electric Service to a Customer, at any time without notice, upon the occurrence of any one or more of the following events:
   1. Whenever in the Company’s opinion, the Company, has reasonable cause to believe that the Customer is receiving Electric Service without paying therefore, or that the Company’s meter, wires or other apparatus have in any manner been tampered with, or damaged in such a way as to prevent the meter from recording under seal the amount of Electric Service delivered.
   2. Whenever, in the Company's opinion, the condition of the Customer's wiring, equipment, or appliances is either unsafe or unsuitable for receiving Electric Service, or when the Customer's use of Electric Service or equipment interferes with or may be detrimental to the Company’s facilities or to the provision of Electric Service by the Company to any other Customer.
   3. Where electricity is being furnished over a line which is not owned or leased by the Company, whenever in the Company’s opinion such line is either not in a safe and suitable condition or is inadequate to receive Electric Service.
2. Upon the occurrence of either one or all of the following events, the Company reserves the right to discontinue Electric Service to a Customer after ten (10) days notice of discontinuance, in accordance with Paragraph XVI.E., below:
   1. For nonpayment of a past due bill, regardless of any amount of money on deposit with the Company. Residential disconnections for non-payment shall not be worked during the following conditions:
      1. The temperature is forecasted to be 92 degrees Fahrenheit or higher within the 24-hour period following the scheduled disconnect.
      2. The temperature is forecasted to be 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower within the 24-hour period following the scheduled disconnect.
      3. On Fridays, weekends, state holidays, or on the business day prior to a state holiday.
   2. For failure to comply with any of the Company's Terms and Conditions as filed with the Commission, or with any of the conditions or obligations of any agreement with the Company for the provision of Electric Service;
   3. Whenever in the opinion of the Company it is necessary to prevent fraud upon the Company.
   4. Whenever the Customer has denied a Company representative access to the Company's meter, wires or other apparatus installed on the Customer's premises.
3. The Company will discontinue Electric Service to a Customer whenever requested by any public authority having jurisdiction.
4. The Company reserves the right to discontinue Electric Service under any of the above conditions irrespective of any claims of a Customer pending against the Company, or any amounts of money on deposit with the Company as required by Section IX of these Terms and Conditions.
5. Notice of discontinuance shall be considered to be given a Customer when copy of such notice is left with the Customer, left at the premise where the Customer's bill is rendered, or posted in the United States mail ten (10) days prior to the date of pending disconnection. The company shall address all mailed correspondence to the Customer's last post office mailing address, as shown on the records of the Company. In addition to the written notice of disconnection, as described above, the Company shall provide a Customer who has chosen to receive electronic billing an additional electronic notice of disconnection ten (10) days prior to the date of pending disconnection with the Customer's electronic bill.
6. Whenever Electric Service is discontinued in accordance herewith, the Company shall not be liable for any damages, direct or indirect, that may result from such discontinuance. In all cases where Electric Service is disconnected by reason of violation by the Customer of any of the provisions hereof or of any agreement with the Company for the provision of Electric Service, there shall then become due and payable, in addition to the bills in default, an amount equal to the monthly minimum charge for the unexpired term of the agreement, not as a penalty, but in lieu of the income reasonably to be expected during the unexpired term of the agreement.

RECONNECTION OF ELECTRIC SERVICE

1. If Electric Service has been discontinued for any of the reasons covered in Section XVI – Discontinuance of Electric Service, the Company shall have a reasonable period of time in which to reconnect the Customer's service after the conditions causing discontinuance shall have been corrected.
2. If Electric Service has been discontinued because of improper use, or if, in the Company's opinion, its meter or wires or other apparatus have been tampered with, the Company may refuse to reconnect the Customer's service until the Customer shall have:
   1. Paid all delinquent bills,
   2. Paid to the Company an amount estimated by the Company to be sufficient to cover all components of Electric Service used but not recorded by the meter and not previously paid for, and
   3. Made such changes in wiring or equipment as may in the opinion of the Company be proper for its protection.
3. If Electric Service has been discontinued by the Company at the request of any public authority having jurisdiction, the Customer's service will not be reconnected until authorization to do so has been obtained by said public authority.
4. When it is necessary to reconnect Electric Service, which has been discontinued for any reasons covered by Section XVI – Discontinuance of Electric Service, a service charge as described below will apply:
   1. During normal working hours, a charge of $30.97 will apply.
   2. During periods other than normal working hours, a charge of $133.24 will apply.
5. When the Company requires past-due balances to be paid prior to reconnection, the Company may further require such payments to be made by cash, certified check, cashier's check, electronic debit, or money order at a Company designated payment location when, during the previous twelve months, either of the events below have occurred:
   1. The Customer's Electric Services has been disconnected due to non-payment of any bill for Electric Service.
   2. The Customer has attempted to make payment by a check, draft, or electronic debit tendered or authorized on the Customer's account and returned for insufficient or uncollected funds, closed account, revoked authorization, stop payment or other similar reason.