June 5, 2008

FAIRFAX, Va. – Dominion Virginia Power has restored electric service to nearly 75 percent of the 335,000 customers in Northern Virginia that lost power from a number of intense thunderstorms packing high wind, rain and lightning and two tornadoes that ripped through the region Wednesday afternoon and evening.

By noon Thursday, service had been restored to approximately 240,000 customers. Most of the remaining 93,000 customers without electricity should have their service restored through the day Thursday and Friday, with final restoration expected by Saturday night.

Dominion customers without power should report their outages at 1-888-667-3000, and also report any downed power lines while remaining clear of them.

Dominion has assigned employees and contractors from around its system to repair the damage at more than 3,000 work locations. Additionally, line contractors from the Carolinas have been deployed to expedite restoration efforts.  Dominion is using helicopters and patrollers on the ground to identify damage and improve efficiency. The violent, quick-moving storms affected Northern Virginia at about 3 p.m., putting more than a quarter of a million customers in the dark almost immediately. At 9 p.m.,  approximately 25,000 customers were knocked out from additional storms. Customers in Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, Albemarle County and parts of the Shenandoah Valley were also affected. "We are focused on getting the lights back on for our customers as safely and quickly as possible," said David A. Heacock, president of Dominion Virginia Power. "While we are well-prepared for storms, the scope and severity of the damage make this especially challenging. "During violent weather events like this, safety is of utmost importance, so please stay clear of downed lines and use extreme caution if you must be on the roads where downed trees could be affecting traffic patterns," said Heacock.

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Because temperatures are expected to be unseasonably warm in the coming days, Dominion is urging its customers to make arrangements for the elderly, children and pets, especially if power remains out to the home. Once power is restored, the following tips are useful to 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 avoid adding more heat and humidity to your home.
  
   
• Avoid using your stove if possible.
  
   
• Raise the temperature setting on the thermostat. You can save significantly by keeping your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher.
  
   
• 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 temperature and save energy without affecting comfort.
  
   
• Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home, to save energy. Sunny windows account for a significant amount of unwanted heat and make air conditioners work much harder.
  
   
• 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 elderly and young children — to take precautions when going out in the heat, drink plenty of water, and limit outdoor activities.  To stay safe in hot 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 as often as possible and keep them hydrated with plenty of water.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 26,500 megawatts of generation.  Dominion serves retail energy customers in 11 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

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