Dominion Urges Customers to Use Caution, Conservation
in Record Heat
Supports four Richmond cooling shelters with
bottled water
Donates fans to Meals on Wheels for homebound
clients
Says power supplies expected to be adequate
RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion Virginia Power is urging customers
to use all means necessary to protect themselves and their loved ones during
the current heat wave and to conserve electricity wherever possible. The company
expressed particular concern for older residents and others who are the most
vulnerable to the effects of extreme temperatures and high humidity.
Dominion is donating bottled water to the four cooling shelters
the city of Richmond opened for those who may not have adequate relief from
the oppressive heat and humidity. In addition, the company is augmenting its
Fan Care program by donating 50 fans to Meals on Wheels Serving Central Virginia
to aid homebound clients who cannot get to a cool place.
Dominion Virginia Power urged its customers to conserve electricity
as the region sweltered during the first day of a projected four-day hot spell.
Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine joined Dominion’s call to save
energy and look out for neighbors: “Every Virginian can take simple steps
that will save energy, save money and help ensure that we all have the electricity
we need. It is important that we work together and that we look out for those
who may be especially vulnerable to the extreme temperatures and humidity. Conservation,
common sense and caring about our neighbors will get us through.”
The city’s office of emergency services was opening
shelters at the following locations:
Marshall Plaza at 900 E. Marshall St.,
Southside Community Services Center at 4100 Hull St.,
East District Initiative at 701 N. 25th St., and
Humphrey Calder Community Center at 414 N. Thompson St.
The shelters will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through
Friday.
Richard S. Schultz, president of Meals on Wheels Serving Central
Virginia, said volunteers will deliver the fans to clients in need. “Our
clients are homebound and often of limited means,” Schultz said. “Getting
to a cooling shelter or somewhere else often isn’t possible. Being able
to bring some relief to them in the form of a fan means a great deal.”
Eva S. Hardy, senior vice president – Dominion External
Affairs and Corporate Communications, said, “In addition to the good work
done by the Meals on Wheels volunteers, we are asking all residents to check
in on those who may be homebound because of age or illness or who are living
alone.”
Dominion, in conjunction with the Virginia Department for
the Aging, provides box fans through the Fan Care program to older Virginians
who need help cooling their homes. Older residents 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.
As part of the Fan Care Program, Dominion, Wal-Mart and the
Virginia Department of Aging will hold an on-site screening and free fan distribution
at the Richmond Wal-Mart at 2501 Sheila Lane on Saturday, Aug. 5.
With temperatures and humidity expected to remain extremely
high for today through Thursday, electricity use is expected to be high. Dominion
and PJM, the regional transmission organization to which Dominion belongs, have
adequate supplies of electricity to meet demand.
While Dominion expects to be able to meet the demand, it also
is asking customers to use energy wisely. During times of extremely hot weather,
residential electricity usage can soar, leading to higher bills. Home energy
conservation helps to ensure there is enough electricity to meet all customers’
needs. Conservation also reduces electric bills.
The following tips can help lower electric bills and energy
usage 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.
Avoid using your stove if possible.
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 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 enable 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 and clean
or replace filters to central air-conditioning systems. Clogged filters cause
air conditioners to use more energy than necessary to keep a home cool.
Clear attic vents. If the home has an attic fan, make sure
it functions properly.
The company is urging all residents – especially the
older residents and young children to take precautions when going out in the
heat and to limit outdoor activities. 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. Do not 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.
Dominion is one of the nation’s largest producers of
energy, with an energy portfolio of about 28,100 megawatts of generation. Dominion
also serves retail energy customers in nine states. For more information about
Dominion and electrical safety, visit the company’s Web site at www.dom.com.
