Electric News Releases

Dominion Energy Meets Peak Demand Record

RICHMOND, Va. -- Dominion Energy, a unit of Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest energy producers, met a record one-hour peak demand from Dominion Virginia Power's customers Wednesday during the strongest heat wave of the summer.

Customers unofficially demanded 16,564 megawatts of electricity from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, surpassing the record of 16,216 megawatts set July 6, 1999.

The oppressive combination of heat and humidity that descended on the mid-Atlantic states Sunday is expected to push demand for electricity toward record levels again Thursday.

"We have adequate supplies to meet demand from customers," said Thomas F. Farrell II,

Dominion Energy chief executive officer. "We do ask that customers use energy wisely as supplies are extremely tight in the mid-Atlantic region, particularly to the north of Virginia."

Dominion reminds customers of the following consumer tips to help lower electric bills and stay comfortable:

• Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home and save energy.
• Use ceiling fans and portable floor fans to move the air around in the home. If the home does not have air conditioning, fans are essential for cooling.
• Turn off unnecessary lights during hot weather.
• Postpone activities that require hot water - such as washing dishes or clothes - to early morning or late evening.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water before, during and after exposure to the elements.
• Stay where there is plenty of air space to allow your body to naturally cool itself.
• Wear comfortable clothing. Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing will aid your body in breathing and cooling itself naturally.

Dominion Virginia Power, which delivers electricity to Dominion's 2.1 million electricity customers, also has available free fans for elderly residents in need through Fan Care, a summertime program sponsored by the company and the Virginia Department for the Aging.

Fan Care provides box fans to elderly Virginians within the Dominion Virginia Power service area who need help cooling their homes. To apply for a free fan, persons should contact their local Area Agency on Aging. Persons in Central Virginia should call Senior Connections at (804) 343-3000. Outside of Central Virginia, persons should call the Virginia Department for the Aging at 1-800-552-3402.

Dominion, headquartered in Richmond, Va., is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a production capability of 2.7 trillion British thermal units of energy per day. The company has a power-generation portfolio of more than 21,000 megawatts, which is expected to grow to more than 28,000 megawatts by 2005. Dominion is one of the largest independent oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in North America, with 2.8 trillion cubic feet of equivalent reserves. Dominion also serves nearly 4 million retail natural gas and electric customers. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.

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