RICHMOND, Va., June 14, 2010 – Dominion Virginia Power is extending its testing of “smart meters” to four localities in Northern Virginia.
The company announced plans today to install approximately 32,000 advanced meters in parts of City of Alexandria, Arlington County, Fairfax County and City of Falls Church by Dec. 31. The meters use digital technology to enable two-way communication between the meter and Dominion’s electric distribution system.
Similar tests of more than 56,000 smart meters are ongoing in Charlottesville and Midlothian.
“Urban conditions in Northern Virginia will enable Dominion to collect useful data to complement the information our demonstrations have garnered for us in the hilly terrain of Charlottesville and the suburban setting of Midlothian,” said Ken Barker, Dominion vice president of customer solutions and energy conservation. “Dominion is validating the use of smart meter technology in a methodical way to ensure long-term success.”
Smart meters communicate electronically, transmitting information on matters such as energy consumption, power outages and restorations. The meters are read remotely, resulting in significantly fewer on-site or drive-by readings, thereby reducing traffic and emissions.
When the system is complete, smart-meter and smart-grid technology will improve Dominion’s efficiency in delivering electricity to customers and begin providing them with tools to manage their use of energy more efficiently.
By the end of this year, smart meters will transmit a message to the company when a power outage is detected at the customer’s location and when power is restored. In 2011 smart meters will enable Dominion to remotely turn electric service on or off as customers move in or move out, without the time involved in sending an employee to the site.
The expanded testing of smart meters is in addition to Dominion Virginia Power’s energy conservation initiatives and green power program.
Dominion (NYSE:D) 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 systems and serves retail energy customers in 12 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.
Media Contacts:
Le-Ha Anderson, Le-Ha.Anderson@dom.com
Karl Neddenien, (804) 771-6115, Karl.R.Neddenien@dom.com
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