RICHMOND, Va., July 21, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Virginia Power urges customers to stay safe during this heat wave and to use electricity wisely as regional temperatures and humidity remain extremely high today.

"Dominion always encourages our customers to use electricity prudently and to take measures that allow them to save money while remaining safe and comfortable," said Paul D. Koonce, president and chief executive officer of Dominion Virginia Power. "There are adequate supplies of electricity and transmission capacity to meet anticipated customer demand."

The company is urging all residents – especially the elderly and young children – to take precautions when going out in the heat and to limit their outdoor activities.  Customers with special needs – particularly elderly and ill persons without air conditioning who are most vulnerable to the effects of extreme temperatures and high humidity – should be checked on frequently.

It also is important to be especially sensitive to pets, allowing them to stay inside as often as possible and keeping them hydrated with plenty of water.

To help lower electric bills and energy usage while keeping homes comfortable, Dominion recommends that customers:

• 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.
• Avoid using your stove and oven if possible and consider using the microwave.
• If you are comfortable, raise your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer.
• Turn off unnecessary lights during hot weather. They add to the heat in a house. Consider switching to cooler, energy-efficient CFL 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 their comfort.
• Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home and to save energy.
• Make sure window air conditioners are sized correctly. Ones that are too small will run constantly, but they will not cool the room. Ones that are too large use more energy than necessary.
• Clean filters to window air-conditioning units and clean or replace filters to central air-conditioning systems. Clogged filters cause air conditioners to use more energy than necessary to keep a home cool.

To stay safe in this hot weather, Dominion urges everyone to:

• Avoid strenuous outdoor activity. If you must work outside, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of fluids. Do not wait until you are thirsty.
• Stay indoors in a cool place, especially during the afternoon when temperatures are highest.
• If you must go outdoors, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Try to wear natural products such as cotton and avoid synthetics.
• Check on elderly family members and neighbors.
• Be especially sensitive to pets, allowing them to stay inside when possible and keeping them hydrated with plenty of water.

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 28,200 megawatts of generation, 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,300 miles of electric transmission lines.  Dominion operates the nation's largest natural gas storage system with 947 billion cubic feet of storage capacity and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power