Nine pilot programs will test customer acceptance of new energy-saving
initiatives. Letters will be mailed to enroll approximately 4,500 customer in
Dominion's Central, Eastern and Northern Virginia service areas to gain participation.
To help ensure representative results, customers will not be able to volunteer
for the pilots or participate in more than one pilot.
These pilot programs are a vital part of laying the groundwork
for even larger conservation initiatives in the future. They will help us learn
more about the type of programs our customers want - and help us create initiatives
that will produce sustainable energy savings.
The pilots are designed to complement efforts by the Virginia
State Corporation Commission to reduce electrical consumption 10 percent by
2022 based on 2006 consumption figures. Read
the latest news release. You may also view
the SCC final order.
Energy Efficiency
Welcome Kit
The pilots include:
Standard Residential In-Home Energy Audit
Through a detailed on-site evaluation, participating residential customers
will receive recommendations on energy efficiency improvements to help reduce
energy consumption.
ENERGY STAR® Qualified Home Energy Audit
Participating customers will be in the process of building a new home certified
to meet ENERGY STAR® standards and will receive recommendations on energy
efficiency improvements to help reduce energy consumption.
Small Commercial Energy Audits
Through a detailed on-site evaluation, participating small commercial customers
will receive recommendations on energy efficiency improvements to help reduce
energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Welcome Kits
Customers new to Dominion's service territory will receive a welcome kit which
includes information on conservation and energy efficiency, demand response
and other pilots offered by Dominion. Also, the kits will contain multiple
CFLs, switch and receptacle insulating gaskets, and weather-stripping that
can be installed by the customer. View
a video.
PowerCost Monitor
This pilot program will provide eligible residential customers with a free
in-home display that gives real-time feedback on energy consumption and cost
for the entire residence. Participants will be given a sensor to install on
the meter. The sensor sends a wireless signal to an in-home display estimating
how much electricity is being used at any given time. Customers will be able
to track energy use by either kilowatts or dollars. By turning appliances
on and off, customers will be able to view real-time energy savings in the
display. View
a video.
Power Response Pilots include:
Distributed Generation
Through participation in this pilot program, commercial, industrial and governmental
customers can help manage the region's power requirements and enhance power
reliability for everyone. The program provides a financial incentive for customers
to reduce their consumption of electricity from the electrical grid system
during a limited number of hours each year, when demand on the electrical
supply is at or near its peak. Supplemental power is provided by generators
located at the customer's facility.
Outdoor Air-Conditioning Cycling Device
Participants in this pilot program will have a switch installed on the outdoor
unit of their central air conditioner or heat pump. When the area's need for
electricity reaches critically-high levels, Dominion Virginia Power will send
a remote signal to activate the switch -- briefly and safely reducing the
amount of electricity drawn by the heating or cooling equipment by cycling
equipment on and off in short intervals. Comfort should not be an issue during
these cycles, as the typical change in indoor temperature will only be a few
degrees. View
a video.
Programmable
Thermostat
Programmable Thermostats - Indoor Air-Conditioning Cycling Device
Participants in this pilot program will have a programmable thermostat installed
in their home. A programmable thermostat allows you to set your home temperature
to adjust automatically. When the area's need for electricity reaches critically-high
levels, Dominion Virginia Power will send a remote signal to the thermostat
to shift the temperature setting up or down. View
a video.
Critical Peak Pricing Pilot
Peak Pricing
Programmable
Thermostat
In this pilot program, the existing electric meter will be replaced with a
state-of-the-art advanced meter and a programmable thermostat will be installed
inside the home. The advanced meter sends the home's energy usage data to
the programmable thermostat. The information is displayed on the thermostat
along with the current electricity price.
Pilot customers will receive a lower electricity rate for the power used during
non-peak periods. During times of critical demand that drain the area's power
supply, pilot customers would agree to reduce usage of high energy-consuming
appliances and pay a higher rate for energy consumed during such periods.
By taking control of energy consumption based on the electricity pricing signals,
pilot customers will save money and help manage the region's power requirements,
thus assuring a reliable source of power for all customers.
View
a video
