May 12, 2003

RICHMOND, Va. - Dominion Virginia Power wants everyone -- especially outdoor contractors -- to know that not only is 10 feet or more the safest distance to be from an overhead power line, it's the law.

This May during National Electrical Safety Month, Dominion wants to make all customers aware of a new revision to the Virginia Overhead High Voltage Safety Act. The change extends the safety zone around high-voltage lines from 6 to 10 feet and clarifies responsibilities of workers and line owners. The enhanced law, which takes effect July 1, also contains new incentives for people working near overhead lines to obey the law.

"Working safely around electricity is the only way we do business at Dominion," said Jay L. Johnson, president and chief executive officer. "We prevent accidents by recognizing hazardous conditions and eliminating unsafe work practices. The extension of the safety zone around high-voltage lines will help save lives and prevent injuries."

The strengthened law increases the protective work zone around overhead high-voltage lines and places greater responsibility on contractors who work near overhead power lines to be particularly mindful of their surroundings. Contractors must call the appropriate utility (for Dominion, call the Customer Service Center at 1-888-667-3000) before working within 10 feet of these lines and allow the proper safety arrangements to be put in place before starting work. If there is any doubt about a line's owner or voltage, make the call for assistance.

Virginia enacted its Overhead High Voltage Line Safety Act in 1989. Unfortunately, injuries and accidents caused by contact with overhead lines continue. The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry reports 47 known violations of the act in 2002. The law's new clearly defined and enhanced responsibilities provide contractors with the incentive to call in order to give utilities the opportunity to make job sites safe.

Major provisions of the revised law include:

• Expanded Safety Zone
  The revised law expands the safety zone around high-voltage lines -- those carrying 600 volts or more -- to 10 feet. Previously, the law prohibited work within 6 feet of the lines. The 10-foot rule is consistent with federal guidelines set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
• Clearer Responsibilities for Workers
  The revised law recognizes that sometimes arrangements must be made for work within the 10-foot safety limit. The new law clarifies the responsibilities of both line owners and businesses.
  
  As of July 1, anyone wishing to perform such work must:
   
  • Notify the line owner promptly to request temporary safety arrangements.
  • Make sure the safety arrangements are complete before beginning the work.
• Clearer Responsibilities for Line Owners and Operators
  The law also gives utilities and other line owners and operators specific responsibilities. They must:
   
  • Publish a phone number that persons wishing to work near lines can call to provide notification and initiate temporary safety arrangement.
  • Initiate safety arrangements within five working days of the notification.
  • Complete the safety arrangements promptly and without interruption, consistent with the owner or operator's need to provide electrical service.
• Incentives for Obeying the Law
  Finally, the updated law contains additional incentives to obey the law. Violators remain subject to fines but now have added responsibilities. Persons performing work near high-voltage lines will be required to indemnify line owners and operators against all claims and costs arising from work in violation of the law.

For specific information on the new changes to Virginia's Overhead High Voltage Safety Act, visit Dominion's Web site at www.dom.com and type in the keyword "overhead."

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a diversified and integrated energy portfolio that includes 24,000 megawatts of generation and 6.1 trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas reserves. Dominion also serves 5 million retail energy customers in nine states.

# # #