Dominion Virginia Power Stresses Safety As Hurricane Isabel Begins Causing Power Outages

September 18, 2003
10:45 a.m. EDT

RICHMOND, Va. - Hurricane Isabel began causing power outages in North Carolina and Virginia Thursday morning. The storm is expected to roll through Dominion's electric franchise service area all day Thursday and into Friday morning.

As of 10:45 a.m., more than 273,000 Dominion customers were without power, with most of those in Tidewater Virginia, the most populated area of Virginia. Dominion crews will begin restoring power when they can do so safely.

Hurricane Isabel remains a strong Category 2 hurricane with wind speeds above 100 mph. Winds of up to 80 mph are expected through Tidewater and Central Virginia later this afternoon and into this evening. Outages are expected to be widespread and extended.

Dominion reminds its customers to call toll free 1-888-667-3000 and use the voice response unit to report outages or downed lines. Using the system's voice response unit is the quickest way to report an outage or downed power lines. The company's outage reporting system can handle 100,000 calls an hour.

Dominion asks its customers to heed these safety warnings:

  • Stay away from downed power lines. Consider downed power lines energized and dangerous. To report a downed line, call Dominion at 1-888-667-3000.
  • Do not hook portable generators directly to the electrical system of your home. Electricity could backfeed into power lines endangering repair crews. Either have a qualified electrician perform that work or plug directly into the generator with the proper-sized extension cords.
  • If using portable or camp-type stoves or lanterns for cooking and lighting, make sure the area is adequately ventilated.

Dominion has in place line crews and tree trimmers throughout its service area, waiting to be dispatched to damage locations. The total workforce ready to respond is 7,000, including Dominion line crews, contractors and line crews from seven southeastern utility companies.

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