September 16, 2016
On Sept. 1, 73-year-old Army veteran Richard Rodriguez counted himself lucky when Virginia Dominion Power and CHP teamed up as part of Dominion’s EnergyShare program to perform basic weatherization services on his home. Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe also was on hand to bring attention to the importance of the program. As a result of the work done, the home is now more energy efficient, safe, and comfortable throughout the seasons.
Last fall, Dominion Virginia Power committed $57 million through 2019 to provide more bill assistance and long-term energy efficiency improvements for qualified customers through the EnergyShare program, with a special focus on helping military veterans and people with disabilities
“We got lucky to have the EnergyShare program come to this house!” exclaimed Rodriguez. It’s a great thing they’re doing for people. It means a lot.”
Receiving the energy upgrades was particularly meaning to Rodriquez, who fell on tough financial times two years ago after going through a divorce. He never dreamed that keeping a safe and affordable roof over his head would suddenly become an overwhelming challenge. In fact, if it had not been for Operation Renewed Hope, a nonprofit organization committed to finding housing for homeless veterans, Rodriguez and his then-thirteen-year-old daughter would have had nowhere to live. Fortunately, Operation Renewed Hope stepped in and found a duplex in Alexandria, Va. that is now home to Rodriguez and another military veteran.
“We have a pretty terrific place to live because of Operation Renewed Hope, and now thanks to Dominion Virginia Power and CHP, it will be even warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. On top of that, our energy bills should be a lot less!” said Rodriguez.