Virginia Natural Gas reminds eligible homeowners to file for federal tax energy creditsHomeowners can also qualify for 2007 tax credits by making energy efficiency improvements in 2007

April 13, 2007

NORFOLK, Va., April 13, 2007 – With less than one week left before the 2006 tax filing season comes to a close, Virginia Natural Gas reminds consumers to take advantage of residential energy tax credits available to homeowners who made their primary residence more energy efficient in 2006.

Under the Energy Policy Act of 2005, federal tax credits are available to consumers who purchase and install energy efficient appliances and products. For example, homeowners who installed a high-efficiency furnace or hot water heater can claim a personal tax credit of up to $300. Those who installed energy efficient windows, doors, roofs or insulation system can claim up to $500 in personal tax credits.

“For homeowners who installed energy efficient appliances in 2006, the federal tax filing deadline is less than one week away,” said Robert Duvall, vice president of Virginia Natural Gas. “Energy-conscious homeowners who would like to upgrade their appliances have until December 2007 to do so and may claim the credit when they file their 2007 taxes.”

Homeowners who did not take advantage of the credit during the 2006 tax year have until December 2007 to implement these energy saving measures and may claim the credit when filling out their 2007 tax returns next year. Consumers should consult a tax or accounting professional for guidance on how to maximize the tax credit.

According to Duvall, not only do natural gas appliances offer the highest total energy efficiency, they may also come with attractive rebates. Virginia Natural Gas customers who install a natural gas furnace or water heater can receive cash back in addition to the tax credit.

“Virginia Natural Gas customers can save up to $300 if they purchase a natural gas furnace and up to $200 when they purchase a natural gas water heater,” Duvall continued. “And, high efficiency appliances help people save on their energy bills as well.”

Editor’s Note: The attached list of Web sites provide more information about the tax credit, qualifying appliances and products. This list may be used in conjunction with this news release.

Web sites providing more information about the tax credit, qualifying products and appliances:
• www.irs.gov/newsroom: Internal Revenue Service
• www.energy.gov/taxbreaks: U.S. Department of Energy
• www.energysavers.gov/homeowners: Partnership for Home Energy Efficiency
• www.energytaxincentives.org: Tax Incentives Assistance Project (TIAP)
• www.gamanet.org: Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association
• www.aham.org: Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers
• www.tanklesstaxcredit.com: Tankless Water Heater Tax Credits
• www.nahb.com: National Association of Home Builders
• www.nwwda.org: National Wood Window and Door Association
• www.cellulose.org: Cellulose Insulation Manufacturers of America
• www.insulate.org: Insulation Contractors Association of America
• www.naima.org: North American Insulation Manufacturers Association.