July 10, 2007

RICHMOND, Va. – With regional temperatures and humidity expected to remain extremely high this week, Dominion Virginia Power is urging its customers to protect themselves and their loved ones, and to use electricity wisely.

Dominion and PJM, the regional transmission organization, project that there will be adequate supplies of electricity to meet anticipated demand.  However, customers are always encouraged to use electricity wisely and take measures that allow them to save money while remaining safe and comfortable.

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.  Customers with special needs – particularly elderly and ill persons without air conditioning who are most vulnerable to the effects of extreme temperatures and high humidity – should be checked on frequently.

To stay safe in this inclement 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 keeping them hydrated with plenty of water.

Dominion is especially concerned about the elderly. The company, in conjunction with the Virginia Department for 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 to 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/ea/cooling/index.html

Energy Conservation Tips

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.
• Avoid using your stove and oven if possible and consider grilling outside instead.
• If you are comfortable, raise your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer. You can save 7 percent on cooling costs for every degree the thermostat is raised above 78.
• Turn off unnecessary lights during hot weather. They add to the heat in a house. 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 their comfort.
• Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home and to save energy.
• Make sure window air conditioners are sized correctly. Ones that are too small will run constantly, but they will 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 is functioning properly.

For additional information on cooling assistance from the state, click here: http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/cooling/index.html

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of more than 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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