Electric News Releases - 1999

June 9, 1999

Power Demand Stays Strong; Company Has Adequate Supplies

RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Power customers are bracing Wednesday for another day of high temperatures, the second day in a row that unseasonably warm weather has kept air conditioners running longer and pushed electricity consumption higher.

"Our generating units continue to run well, and we are confident we will continue to meet the electricity demands of our customers today," said Robert E. Rigsby, Virginia Power president and chief operating officer. "Tuesday's electricity peak exceeded projections, but today's estimated peak load appears to be on the tail end of a three-day heat wave."

The company's peak demand Tuesday reached 14,850 megawatts (mw) at 5 p.m. In Northern Virginia, temperatures broke century-old records for a second day in a row with a high of 98 degrees in Washington, D.C.

Wednesday's peak demand is projected at 14,800 mw. The all-time Virginia Power record is 15,399 mw set on July 22, 1998.

Temperatures in the Mid-Atlantic region are not projected to be as hot Wednesday, with highs reaching the low- to mid-90s. Forecasters say temperatures in the Virginia Power service area will inch downward over the next several days, returning to more normal levels in the mid- to upper-80s. Extremely dry conditions are expected to continue over the Mid-Atlantic region, with no measurable rainfall forecasted through the weekend.

• Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home and save energy.
• 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.
• Clear attic vents. If the home has an attic fan, make sure it is functioning properly.
• Turn off unnecessary incandescent lights during hot weather. They only add to the heat in the home. Consider switching to cooler, energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs where light is needed.
• 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.
• 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.

Virginia Power reminds customers in need that they may be eligible for free box fans through the Fan Care program. Fan Care, a partnership program between Virginia Power and the Virginia Department for the Aging, provides box fans to elderly Virginians who need help cooling their homes. Anyone within the Virginia Power service area who would like to apply for a free fan should contact their local Area Agency on Aging.

Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion Resources Inc. (NYSE: D), an energy company with headquarters in Richmond

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