Dominion Virginia Power Offers Billing Options,
Conservation Information
RICHMOND, Va. - With much of the
Commonwealth enduring continued heat and drought conditions, Dominion Virginia
Power customers have increased their energy usage more than 9.4 percent over
the same period in 2001.
Higher-than-normal temperatures and triple-digit heat indices
have forced customers indoors where they use their air conditioners, fans and
other electrical appliances more frequently. As a result of increased usage,
many customers may have higher-than-anticipated monthly electric bills.
"Dominion Virginia Power offers a number of ways to
assist customers in paying their bills," said Edgar M. Roach Jr., president
and chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. "In addition, there
are several steps customers can take to save money, conserve energy and still
stay comfortable."
To help customers pay or reduce their electric bills, Dominion
Virginia Power offers:
Budget Billing, which allows customers the opportunity
to equalize their bill payments to pay the same amount each month. The amount
is adjusted once a year.
Time-of-Use rates, which give a break on energy bills
if customers shift their electricity usage to off- peak hours when other customers
aren't using as much power. Customers who sign up for a time-of-use rate pay
less for electricity during off-peak periods but more during peak periods.
Electronic billing, which allows customers to view and
pay bills at the company Web site - www.dom.com. This free service, which
Dominion Virginia Power is calling "eBill," also provides the ability
to monitor and compare energy usage from a home computer. Customers can view
past bills and schedule payments for the date of their choosing.
In addition, the following tips will help customers stay
comfortable, conserve energy and reduce their electric bills:
Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block
heat from entering the home and to 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.
Make sure pets have plenty of drinking water and have
access to shady and cool areas.
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 help your body cool itself naturally.
For more information on billing options or energy-efficiency
tips, call the Dominion Customer Service Center at 1-888-667-3000 or visit www.dom.com
and click on the icon "energy-saving tips."
Dominion (NYSE: D) 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 3.9 million-franchise natural gas
and electric customers in five states.
