February 25, 2009

RICHMOND – The majority of the customers participating in nine energy conservation pilot programs conducted by Dominion Virginia Power last year said they were satisfied with the programs and feel more aware of their use of electricity.

“During these difficult economic times, energy conservation can help customers manage their energy consumption wisely and save money on their electric bills,” said David W. Green, senior vice president of customer service. “By providing us with feedback, participants in the pilots are helping tailor the next generation of energy conservation programs.”

While the extent of energy savings is still being tallied, 84 percent of the participants in the pilot program offering in-home energy audits, for example, were satisfied or very satisfied with the audit process, and 76 percent said the audit was beneficial for them.

Among new customers receiving energy efficiency welcome kits, 80 percent said they read the accompanying brochure. Of that number, 97 percent found the information helpful and 93 percent said they installed and used the products in the kit.

Of the pilot participants who permitted cycling of their air conditioners during times of peak demand in the summer, 97 percent reported being satisfied or very satisfied with the enrollment and installation processes. Ninety-three percent stated that after this experience, they would be interested in participating in an energy conservation program in the future.

The pilot programs had approximately 4,500 participants and were approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC) in January 2008 and were implemented under the commission’s review: www.dom.com/customer/efficiency/programs.jsp

The company has asked the SCC for approval to continue the “smart meter” pilot, which enables the company to communicate “dynamic pricing signals” to the thermostat inside the customer’s home. Dynamic pricing varies by time of day and season, including higher pricing for electricity usage during periods of peak demand, which typically occur on very hot afternoons. Continuing the pilot will enable participating customers to benefit from a full year of dynamic pricing.

Based on the pilot program results and additional research, Dominion plans to file a request with the SCC to offer additional energy conservation programs to customers. They will be part of an extensive consumer education effort aimed at helping customers manage their usage and cost of energy.

Dominion continues to be a leader in energy saving information by providing energy calculators and practical tips at www.dom.com, keyword Conservation. Customers can also discuss ways to save energy, money and the environment on Dominion’s blog devoted to energy conservation. Go to http://e-conserve.blogspot.com.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,000 megawatts of generation. Dominion serves retail energy customers in 12 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's Web site at http://www.dom.com.
 

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