NAGS HEAD, N.C., May 7 /PRNewswire/ -- The North Carolina Aquarium Society today announced that Dominion Resources, the parent company of Dominion North Carolina Power, has donated $500,000 to fund alternative energy demonstrations at Jennette's Pier in Nags Head:  http://www.ncaquariums.com/aquarium-piers/jennettes-pier

The ocean pier is under construction and is expected to begin operating in the spring 2011. It is owned and will be operated by the North Carolina Aquariums and will feature environmental education programs, summer science camps, live animal displays, public events and fishing.

"As an electricity provider for the Outer Banks, Dominion is pleased to help bring educational programs and demonstrations to Jennette's Pier," said Paul D. Koonce, chief executive officer of Dominion North Carolina Power. "This project fits well with our commitment to education and to protecting the environment. It will serve as a model for alternative energy demonstrations while providing an enjoyable facility for the entire family."

Art Keeney, Chairman of the North Carolina Aquarium Society Board of Directors praised the donation:  "With Dominion's generous support, Jennette's Pier will now be able to display many of the emerging technologies in energy generation."

"Wind turbines, solar panels and fuel cells will generate energy on site to offset the power needs of the facility. In addition, the public will be able to see how these three contemporary energy systems will work. This partnership demonstrates our shared values of education and the environment and we look forward to our long-standing relationship continuing," said Keeney.

Senator Marc Basnight of Dare County, N.C. said: "I am pleased that Dominion is stepping forward to help fund many of the environmental and educational features that will make the aquarium pier a great learning experience about the role clean energy plays in protecting our oceans."

Representative Tim Spear of Washington County, N.C. said: "Dominion's gift is great news for this project and for the people of North Carolina. These features will make this facility even more of an attraction that will not only help our tourist economy, but also will help educate residents and visitors alike."

The North Carolina Aquarium Society is a private, nonprofit support organization for the three North Carolina Aquariums. The Society is currently conducting a capital campaign to provide private support for exhibits and programs at Jennette's Pier.

Dominion, headquartered in Richmond, Va., is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of more than 27,500 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system and serves retail energy customers in 12 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.

SOURCE Dominion North Carolina Power