Dominion Generation Meets Unofficial Record Demand For Electricity
RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion (NYSE: D), one
of the nation's largest energy companies, unofficially set a record one-hour
peak demand of 17,610 megawatts Monday from its Virginia and North Carolina
electricity customers.
With regional temperatures and humidity expected
to remain extremely high for today and tomorrow, this record may be broken again
soon. The company is asking its customers to use energy wisely and be aware
of the dangers posed by the current heat wave. Customers with special needs
— particularly elderly and ill persons who do not have air conditioning
— should be checked on frequently.
Demand from the company’s 2.2 million electric
customers in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina unofficially reached 17,610
megawatts between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Monday. The previous record was established
on July 19, 2005 at 17,305 megawatts. Final, official numbers should be available
soon.
The company is urging all residents — especially
the elderly and young children — to take precautions when going out in
the heat and to limit outdoor activities. In cooperation with local officials,
Dominion is urging those in need to seek shelter at two cooling stations in
Richmond from noon-7 p.m. through Thursday, where the Red Cross will provide
water.
The shelters are operated by the Department of
Social Services and are located at Southside Community Services Center, 4100
Hull Street, and Marshall Plaza, 900 East Marshall Street. For more information
on the shelters, residents can call 804-646-7046.
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.
Be especially sensitive to pets, allowing them to
stay inside when possible and keep them hydrated with plenty of water.
During this dangerous heat wave, Dominion 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. For additional information on cooling assistance from the state,
click here: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/energyasst.html
Dominion also encourages its customers to use
energy wisely. 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 an energy portfolio of about 28,700 megawatts of generation,
about 6 trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas reserves and 7,900
miles of natural gas transmission pipeline. Dominion also operates the nation's
largest underground natural gas storage system with more than 965 billion cubic
feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in nine states.
For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
