Dominion Generation Meets Record Demand for Electricity

June 15, 2005

RICHMOND, Va. – Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest energy companies, Tuesday met a record one-hour peak demand from its Virginia and North Carolina electricity customers.

Demand from the company’s 2.2 million electric customers in Virginia and northeastern North Carolina reached 17,291 megawatts from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday. The old mark of 17,084 megawatts was set July 29, 2002.

The company is urging all residents - especially the elderly and young children - to take precautions when going out in the heat and to limit outdoor activities. 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 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 an energy portfolio of about 28,100 megawatts of generation, about 6 trillion cubic feet equivalent of proved natural gas reserves and 7,900 miles of natural gas transmission pipeline. Dominion also operates the nation's largest underground natural gas storage system with more than 965 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in nine states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at www.dom.com.

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CONTACTS:    
Media: Dominion – Karl R. Neddenien, (804) 771-6115