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Electric News Releases - 1999
July 6, 1999
Virginia Power Takes Step To Help Northeastern U.S.
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Power reduced voltage Tuesday to
its Northern Virginia customers to help the beleaguered transmission system
in the northeastern United States. The voltage reduction is expected to terminate
Tuesday evening.
"By taking this step, we are helping ensure the integrity
of the regional transmission system," said Jim Earwood, vice president
and general manager-Bulk Power Delivery. "We also appreciate our customers
who are helping us by conserving energy when and where they can. They, too,
are helping all of us get through this extremely hot weather."
In a voltage reduction, the utility reduces the voltage to
its customers by about 5 percent. Voltage reductions should not be noticeable
to customers and will not affect the operations of air conditioning units or
other electrical equipment, Earwood said.
By reducing its voltage, Virginia Power increased the reliability
of the transmission grid in the region.
Virginia Power customers were expected to set a record for
peak demand Tuesday as the high temperature and high humidity walloped the state
for the third consecutive day. Customers unofficially demanded 15,506 megawatts
from the utility between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. Monday, which is more than the record
of 15,399 mw set July 22, 1998. Total electricity consumption Monday was 306,115
megawatt-hours, the third highest total in company history.The company expected
the peak Tuesday to soar above 16,000 megawatts, and it has adequate supplies
to meet that record demand.
One Virginia Power generating unit, Surry Power Station Unit
2, shut down automatically Monday and will be out of service for about 10 days
for repairs. A valve in the 800-megawatt nuclear unit's reactor coolant system
malfunctioned, forcing the shutdown. All other major generating units were operating.
Virginia Power joins with health agencies in warning its
customers, especially the elderly, to be extremely careful during these hot
days and, whenever possible, stay indoors in a cool place.
The following 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 only 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.
Virginia Power, 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 at 1-800-552-3402 or contact
their local Area Agency on Aging office.
Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion
Resources Inc. (NYSE: D), an energy company with headquarters in Richmond.
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