Electric News Releases

January 28, 2000

Virginia Power Braces For Possible Snow/Ice Storm; Customers May Have Set New Winter Peak

RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia Power is preparing for the onslaught this weekend of a powerful winter storm filled with snow, sleet and freezing rain.

"Our company meteorologists predict the storm will enter our service area early Sunday morning," said Tom Hyman, senior vice president-Electric Distribution. "We're operating under the expectation that we'll have an icing event on Sunday. We're closely monitoring the storm's track from the Southeast, checking our equipment stockpiles and preparing crews for storm duty."

Hyman noted that freezing rain and ice storms could create more havoc with power distribution systems than almost any other type of storm. He said customers should keep an eye on weather reports and begin preparing.

To beat back the cold weather already present, Virginia Power's 2 million customers may have set a new winter record for electricity demand early Friday, with an estimated peak of 15,100 megawatts. The final number will be calculated next week. The winter peak record is 14,910 megawatts, set Feb. 5, 1996. The all-time peak demand record is 16,216 megawatts, set July 6, 1999.

While the storm is expected to bring snow, sleet and freezing rain, it's too soon for forecasters to determine the intensity of the storm or where in Virginia the snow will change to other forms of precipitation, such as sleet or freezing rain.

Virginia Power has made arrangements to have additional line contractors and tree trimmers on standby in case the storm causes power interruptions. The company also has contacted neighboring utilities in the event mutual aid assistance is needed.

Customers should call Virginia Power toll-free at 1-888-667-3000 to report power outages or downed power lines. Virginia Power reminds customers to assume that any downed power lines are energized and stay away from them. Customers should also take the following steps to prepare for severe winter weather:

• Check battery supplies for flashlights and radios and listen to weather reports.
• Make sure portable heaters are in safe working condition and operated in well-ventilated areas.
• Make sure electric generators are properly wired.
• Make sure to have a good first-aid kit.

Virginia Power is the principal subsidiary of Dominion Resources Inc. (NYSE: D), an energy company with headquarters in Richmond.

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