Small business and residential customers facing financial hardship can receive support on their energy bills through Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program.

Dominion is supplementing its $13 million annual program contribution in Virginia with $1 million this year to further help customers in need of bill assistance, due to coronavirus impacts. Small businesses, nonprofits, and houses of worship will be eligible for $500,000, while the remaining $500,000 will be reserved for residential customers, a release said.

For small businesses, a temporary Small Business Relief Program will offer one-time assistance of up to $1,000 toward unpaid Dominion Energy Virginia electric bills that may have accrued during the pandemic. To get the funds to those organizations most in need, Dominion Energy is announcing a partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation, which is establishing an advisory council.

The council will raise program awareness in the business community, review applications and award assistance to eligible businesses.

Starting Sept. 1, small business applications for EnergyShare will be available on the Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation website (www.vachamber.com/foundation/small-business-relief-program). Applicants must submit their completed and e-signed application via e-mail to foundation@vachamber.com for review; they will receive an e-mail with the assistance decision within 14 business days. Applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, with a rolling application period until program funds are exhausted.

Additional support is available in the form of on-site energy efficiency assessments, rebates for energy efficiency measures and other incentives for business improvements.