Dominion Customers Set Record For All-Time Demand

July 30, 2002

RICHMOND, Va. - Hot, sticky weather Monday drove Dominion (NYSE: D) customers indoors where they turned up air conditioners, setting a new one-hour record for peak demand of electricity that may fall Tuesday with more of the same weather conditions on tap.

From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., Dominion Energy's power stations met a peak demand record of an estimated 17,084 megawatts, surpassing the previous mark by more than 500 megawatts. The official number may take a few days to calculate. The old peak demand record of 16,515 megawatts was set Aug. 9, 2001.

Despite potential record-usage again Tuesday, Dominion Energy anticipates no problems supplying enough electricity.

"While demand for electricity has grown during the past few years as new industries and more residential customers arrived, we have kept pace by adding more than 900 megawatts of generation," said Thomas F. Farrell II, chief executive officer of Dominion Energy. "All of our units are available today and we have an adequate reserve margin."

Tuesday's temperatures from Richmond to the south and east are expected to be nearly as hot as Monday with the heat index in the 105-110 degree range. However, cooler temperatures to the north around Washington, D.C., and the chance of afternoon thunderstorms may lower the demand for electricity.

Still, the company is urging all residents, especially the elderly and children, to take precautions when venturing into the heat. 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. Don't 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.

Dominion Virginia Power, Dominion's distribution franchise, is especially concerned about the elderly. The company, in conjunction with the Virginia Department for the 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 contact their local Area Agency on Aging office.

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.
  • 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 incandescent 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 allow 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 or clean or replace filters to central air conditioning systems. Clogged filters cause air conditioners to use more energy to keep rooms or homes cool.
  • Clear attic vents. If the home has an attic fan, make sure it is functioning properly.

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 www.dom.com.
 

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Media: Dan Genest, (804) 771-6115