I hope you and your family enjoyed Thanksgiving and are ready to welcome in December. It is hard to believe the holidays are just around the corner! Before then, here are some updates from the 93rd District, a recap of November, and news from across the Commonwealth.
Grand Illumination Returns to Historic Area for Three Evenings this December
Grand Illumination returns to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area for three consecutive Saturdays this December as part of a series of holiday programming that is free and open to the public. This expanded schedule, which debuted last year, replaces the one-night event that had been the tradition for more than 85 years.
Grand Illumination will take place Dec. 3, 10 and 17 from 5-7:30 p.m. Each evening includes seasonal music, the lighting of the cressets, storytelling on Palace Green, a special appearance by Father Christmas, and a procession led by the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums culminating in fireworks demonstrations in the Historic Area over the Governor’s Palace and the Capitol!
Virginia Payment Assistant Programs
Low Income Household Water Assistance Program
Need help with your water bill? The Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) is a temporary, federally-funded program created to assist low-income households pay their water and wastewater bills and delay disconnection for at least 90 days. The program is administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS), and relief will be available to eligible Virginia residents beginning in October 2022 through September 1, 2023 or until funds are depleted.
To apply, visit virginiaalihwap.com or call (888) 373-9908. Application assistance is available by calling the same phone number between the hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The Virginia Department of Social Services and its partner organizations offer several other bill payment assistance options through the free Virginia 211 service.
Dominion Energy Bill Payment Assistance
With colder temperatures on the way, Dominion Energy Virginia is offering several assistance programs to help customers with their winter heating bills:
EnergyShare Bill Payment Assistance
Dominion Energy Virginia’s EnergyShare program offers up to $600 in bill payment assistance from October 1 through May 31. The program is not income-based, so anyone needing help to pay their heating bills may qualify for assistance. Individuals 60 and older, military veterans and individuals with a disability may be eligible for additional assistance.
EnergyShare Weatherization Programs
Dominion Energy Virginia customers who receive EnergyShare bill payment assistance may be eligible to receive a free home energy assessment and the installation of free energy efficiency upgrades that help save on their energy costs.
Extended Payment Plans
Dominion Energy Virginia offers extended payment plans to help customers who’ve fallen behind on their electric bills. Eligible customers can make 50% down payment on their past due bill and spread the remaining balance over six months. Customers may sign-in to their account online or call 877-776-2427 to see if they qualify.
Budget Billing
Dominion Energy’s budget billing program helps customers avoid the seasonal fluctuation with their energy bills. Monthly budget bill amounts are based on the average of the customer’s previous 12 months of usage. Customers may sign-in to their account online or call 877-776-2427 to see if they qualify.
A full list of all Dominion Energy customer assistance options is available here: www.dominionenergy.com/virginia/billing/energy-assistance or by calling: 877-776-2427.
Highlights from November
In the News:
Virginia Gazette: Colonial Williamsburg emphasis on Native aspect of colonial life
Daily Press: Ship repair company breaks ground on $64M Newport News headquarters, bringing over 330 jobs
Daily Press: Jefferson Lab in Newport News to add 60 high-paying jobs with $76.5 million in new federal funding
WYDAILY: Virginia Report Shows More Teachers Leaving the Workforce than Entering It
Wavy 10: Former Williamsburg Yankee Candle store to become upscale bowling alley
Virginia Gazette: Home First Williamsburg program moves in first 3 families
Virginia Mercury: Youngkin, Lucas set Jan. 10 as date for special Virginia Senate election
NY Times: Same-Sex Marriage Rights Bill Clears a Crucial Senate Hurdle
The Washington Post: Virginia Rep. Donald McEachin dies at 61 after colorectal cancer battle
As always, thank you for reading! Keep connected with our office by calling (757) 525-9526, emailing DelMMullin@house.virginia.gov, or @mikemullin4va on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. If my office can ever be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us!
Be well,
-Mike