August 3, 2002

RICHMOND, Va. -- Dominion (NYSE: D) reported a smooth transition from normal working conditions as its electrical workers union began a work stoppage at noon Friday.

"The union leadership, our supervisors and employees are to be commended for an orderly transition at our offices and power stations. The workers who left their jobs are valued employees and we want them to return to work soon. We regret they felt it was necessary to take this action," said Thomas F. Farrell II, chief executive officer of Dominion Energy.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 50 represents about 3,700 workers at Dominion's facilities in Virginia, northeastern North Carolina and at Mt. Storm Power Station in West Virginia. The union leadership turned down the company's latest labor contract proposal that called for a 16.5 percent compounded wage increase over five years along with other pension and medical benefits comparable to those of Dominion's other 13,000 employees.

The company and the IBEW Local 50 began negotiating in January to craft a contract to succeed a three-year agreement that was ratified in 1995 and extended twice, each time for two years. The work stoppage is the first labor action at Dominion Virginia Power since 1964.

"We are available to meet with the union and the federal mediator at any time," Farrell said. "We are always willing to discuss constructive ideas and proposals for reaching a settlement. We believe our offer is fair, reasonable and addressed the issues the IBEW said were important."

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a production capability of more than 3 trillion British thermal unit of energy per day. Dominion also serves 3.8 million franchise natural gas and electric customers in five states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.

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