Programs

What assistance looks like

• • Up to $200 in utility bill assistance
• • Payment is made directly to the utility company
• • No cash or gift funds are distributed
• • Assistance is provided once per year, based on available funding

Bright Focus Initiative 804 provides up to $200 in assistance. If your total balance exceeds this amount, your service may still be subject to disconnection if the remaining balance is not paid.

How selection works

• • Applications are open during designated periods
• • Eligible applicants are entered into a randomized selection process, or until funding is exhausted
• • Submission of an application does not guarantee assistance
• • Selected households will be contacted privately for next steps

This process ensures fairness, transparency, and responsible use of program funds.

What information is required

This initial application collects only basic information needed to determine eligibility and understand community need. If selected, applicants will be asked to provide additional utility details so Bright Focus Initiative can submit payment directly to the utility provider.

Bright Focus Initiative does not collect Social Security numbers or government-issued identification.

Privacy and data protection

All information is handled confidentially and stored in secure, access-controlled systems. Participant data is used solely for:

• • Program administration
• • Direct utility payment processing
• • Anonymized reporting to funders and partners

No personal information is shared publicly.

Before you apply

By submitting this application, you acknowledge that:

• • Assistance is limited and subject to availability
• • Selection is randomized among eligible applicants
• • Utility payments are made directly to providers

Apply with confidence

We understand that requesting support can feel difficult. This application is designed to be respectful, simple, and focused on meeting immediate needs. You are encouraged to share only what you are comfortable providing.

Referral-based exception policy

Bright Focus Initiative 804 operates on a structured, cycle-based application process. To maintain fairness and manage application volume, we do not accept applications outside of designated open periods. In limited cases, we may review requests submitted through verified referral partners, such as case managers or community organizations.

• • Referral-based reviews are not guaranteed approval
• • All standard eligibility requirements still apply
• • Requests must meet current program guidelines, including utility type and documentation requirements
• • Only a limited number of referral exceptions are considered per cycle

Utility account holder policy

The utility account does not have to be in the applicant's name. Applicants may still be eligible if the account is held by a spouse or partner, parent or legal guardian, caregiver, property owner or landlord (when applicable), or another household member responsible for the account.

To be considered for assistance, the Dominion Energy service address must match the applicant's primary residence. Bright Focus Initiative 804 may request additional documentation to verify residency when the account holder and applicant are different individuals, such as a government-issued ID, lease agreement, government correspondence (SNAP, Medicaid, Social Security), or other documents showing the applicant resides at the service address. Documentation requests are reviewed case by case.