As temperatures dropped across the region this winter, so did the comfort level for many local households struggling to keep up with rising energy bills. For Kasper Mechanical Heating and Air Conditioning, the cold wasn’t just a seasonal challenge—it was a call to action.
Kasper Mechanical owners Steven Kasper and Brad Edmonds have long believed that being a local business means showing up for the community year-round. From supporting local school programs and the Fredericksburg SPCA to contributing to veteran initiatives, breast cancer and autism awareness efforts, food drives, and holiday toy donations, the company makes it a priority to perform at least one meaningful act of service each month.
But this winter felt different.
“We could see just how hard this season was hitting families,” said Steven Kasper, Co-Owner of Kasper Mechanical. “Yes, we’re in the heating business—but we also know that keeping a home warm means higher electricity bills. We started asking ourselves, ‘What more can we do?’”
That question led them to Dominion Energy.
After reaching out to explore ways to help residents in need, Dominion Energy quickly connected the Kasper Mechanical team with information about its EnergyShare® program—a year-round initiative that has provided financial assistance for energy bills and no-cost, energy-efficient home improvements to eligible customers facing financial hardship since 1982.
“EnergyShare exists to help residents keep their families warm and comfortable when they need it most,” said Nikki Taylor, EnergyShare Program Manager for Dominion Energy. “We are grateful for community partners like Kasper Mechanical who not only help us spread awareness but step up financially to support neighbors in crisis. Their leadership makes a meaningful difference.”
EnergyShare assistance is administered through trusted local partner agencies. In our region, that partner is SERVE, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency services and long-term support for individuals and families in need.
Throughout February, Kasper Mechanical shared energy-efficiency tips with homeowners—ranging from heating system maintenance to simple steps that reduce electricity usage—leveraging educational resources from Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program. But the most impactful effort came through direct collaboration with SERVE.
Working together, SERVE identified two local residents who were on the verge of having their power disconnected. Kasper Mechanical stepped in and paid their outstanding energy bills in full—totaling more than $2,100—ensuring both households remained warm during the harsh winter months.
“These weren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet,” said Brad Edmonds, Co-Owner of Kasper Mechanical. “These were families facing the very real possibility of losing heat during freezing temperatures. We’re honored we could help relieve that stress and give them stability.”
Lee Cheney, Executive Director of SERVE, emphasized how critical these partnerships are during extreme weather conditions.
“Winter utility shutoffs can be devastating for families already experiencing hardship,” said Cheney. “Kasper Mechanical’s generosity allowed us to act quickly and prevent two households from losing power at a critical time. When local businesses step forward like this, it strengthens our entire community.”
The partnership highlights a powerful message: community impact happens when businesses, utilities, and nonprofits work together.
For Kasper Mechanical, the goal extends beyond a single donation.
“We hope other local businesses see this and realize that even a small contribution can keep someone warm,” said Kasper. “You don’t have to be in the heating or energy industry to make a difference. If every business did one thing this season to help a household in need, the impact would be enormous.”
Dominion Energy’s EnergyShare program continues to accept donations year-round, with 100% of customer and corporate contributions going directly to assistance. The program also provides energy-saving education and home improvement support to help families manage long-term costs.
If you or someone you know is struggling with utility bills, SERVE encourages residents to reach out for assistance. Help is available.
Learn more about emergency utility assistance through SERVE at: https://serve-helps.org/get-help/emergency-utility-assistance/
As winter continues, this collaboration serves as a reminder that keeping the lights—and the heat—on is a shared responsibility. And when local businesses take action, entire communities stay stronger, warmer, and more connected.