The Shadow
Chester, Va. (VR) – Columbia Gas of Virginia is encouraging its customers who need financial assistance with their utility bills to apply now for crisis grants through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The deadline to submit information is Monday, March 16, 2026.
These crisis grants offer aid to income-eligible households that are without heat or in danger of being without heat. They also provide equipment-related assistance and help with security deposits, and heating fuel utility bills. The maximum benefit for a utility bill payment is $410. Applicants are eligible for one crisis grant for usage per heating season, and one crisis grant for security deposit in a lifetime.
“We never want our customers to have to choose between putting food on the table and staying safe and connected to their natural gas service,” said Columbia Gas of Virginia President and Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Montague. “That’s why, if you need help with your energy bill, we encourage you to apply for a crisis grant now. These types of grants are especially helpful for households facing unanticipated heating emergencies, as they are one-time grants and don’t have to be paid back.”
LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Virginia Department of Social Services (VDSS). Customers can apply in multiple ways:
- Online via the Commonwealth of Virginia CommonHelp portal at commonhelp.virginia.gov;
- By calling the VDSS Enterprise Customer Service Center at 1-855-635-4370 Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.; or
- Manually by submitting an application to their local department of social services.
The income eligibility for the 2025-2026 program is 150 percent of the federal income guidelines, meaning that an individual with an annual income of up to $23,475 is eligible to apply and a family of four with an annual income of up to $48,225 can apply.
In addition to LIHEAP, Columbia Gas offers other assistance programs that feature flexible payment options, budget plans and income-eligible financial support. Customers can find out what programs they may qualify for by using our eligibility calculator at www.columbiagasva.com/
Additional information can be found at our Energy Assistance Resource Center at www.columbiagasva.com/energy-
About Columbia Gas of Virginia
Columbia Gas of Virginia delivers clean, affordable and efficient natural gas to approximately 290,000 customers in 98 communities across the Commonwealth. With headquarters in Chesterfield County, it is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers. More information about Columbia Gas of Virginia and NiSource, including our record of leadership in sustainability, investments in the communities we serve, and how we live our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner, is available at www.ColumbiaGasVA.com and www.NiSource.com.
