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

August 1, 2006

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.

Additional information on cooling assistance from the state is available at http://www.dss.virginia.gov/benefit/ea/cooling/index.html.

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.

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CONTACTS:    
Media: David Botkins, (804) 771-6115