Michael and Lisa Macario, who recently purchased a new home in Fuquay-Varina, are one of 100,000 North Carolinians who have signed up for natural gas service in the last 7 years. Little did the Macarios know that not only would they be celebrating this holiday season in their new home, but also with a new natural gas grill from Dominion Energy North Carolina. The company made the donation to celebrate the Macarios as their 600,000th natural gas customer in the state.

Like many homeowners in central and western North Carolina, the Macarios prefer the low cost, comfort and convenience of natural gas cooking and heating in their home.

"When we found our new home, we were thrilled it had natural gas cooking and heating," said Michael Macario. "There's nothing like cooking with natural gas, and we really like how affordable the heating bills are," Macario continued. "We're excited to celebrate the holiday season in our new home and doing what we love -- cooking our favorite holiday meals with family. We were already excited about our new gas stove top and oven but having a new gas grill really puts a bow on top of an amazing adventure for us."

For years the Macarios have hosted Michael's colleagues from the Raleigh Police Training Center for the holidays. Many of the recruits are away from home and enjoy having a place to spend the holidays with friends and colleagues. This year will be different than years past with social distancing and outdoor gatherings, but with their new home and gas cooking appliances, the Macarios say this holiday season will still be one to remember.

"The Macarios will be cooking like the pros during the holidays, and we're thrilled to have played a part in it," said Shaun Randall, vice president of gas operations for Dominion Energy North Carolina. "Families like the Macarios remind us that our mission is so much more than providing affordable and reliable energy. We're providing the comforts that make home a special place, where memories with friends and family are made."