Dominion Ready To Meet Possible Record Demand For Electricity
RICHMOND, Va. - With temperatures in Virginia predicted to
be near 100 degrees and the humidity making it feel like 110, Dominion (NYSE:
D) has ample supplies of electricity to meet what is expected to be an all-time
high for energy demand.
"All of our power stations are available and we have
ample reserves," said Thomas F. Farrell II, chief executive officer of
Dominion Energy. "Still, we are asking customers to use electricity wisely
and even more important to take the proper safety precautions to protect their
health during this extremely hot weather."
Dominion anticipates that it will meet a peak demand record
Monday. The current record of 16,515 megawatts was set Aug. 9, 2001. As of 9
a.m. Monday, Dominion Energy's power stations were generating about 500 megawatts
ahead of that record pace.
Daytime temperatures across the state are expected to range
from the mid- to upper 90s, with the hottest temperatures being in the Richmond
and Hampton Roads areas. The heat index, which is a measure of the combined
effect of heat and humidity, is expected to be close to 110 degrees.
To stay safe in this uncomfortable weather, Dominion urges
everyone to:
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must work outside,
take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids. Don't wait until you are
thirsty.
Stay indoors in a cool place, especially during the afternoon
when temperatures are highest.
If you must go outdoors, wear lightweight, light-colored
clothing. Try to wear natural products such as cotton and avoid synthetics.
Dominion Virginia Power is especially concerned about the
elderly. The company, in conjunction with the Virginia Department for the Aging,
provides box fans through the Fan Care program to elderly Virginians who need
help cooling their homes. Elderly customers who need such assistance are encouraged
to call the Department for the Aging toll free at 1-800-552-3402 or contact
their local Area Agency on Aging office.
The following energy conservation tips require little or
no expense and could help lower electric bills while keeping homes comfortable:
Postpone activities that require hot water - such as washing
dishes or clothes - to early morning or late evening. This will keep from
adding more heat and humidity to the home.
Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat. For every
degree raised, customers can save as much as 3 percent on cooling costs.
Turn off unnecessary incandescent lights during hot weather.
They add to the heat in the home. Consider switching to cooler, energy-efficient
fluorescent bulbs where light is needed.
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. In homes with air conditioning, fans allow residents to raise
the thermostat and save energy without affecting comfort.
Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block
heat from entering the home and save energy.
Make sure window air conditioners are sized correctly.
Ones that are too small will run constantly but not cool the room. Ones that
are too large use more energy than necessary.
Clean filters to window air conditioning units or clean
or replace filters to central air conditioning systems. Clogged filters cause
air conditioners to use more energy to keep rooms or homes cool.
Clear attic vents. If the home has an attic fan, make
sure it is functioning properly.
Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of
energy, with a production capability of more than 3 trillion British thermal
unit of energy per day. Dominion also serves 3.8 million franchise natural gas
and electric customers in five states. For more information about Dominion,
visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
