Dominion News (Electric News)

Will Your Family Be Prepared For Hurricane Season?

Thu, 16 May 2013 09:07:00 -0400

- Hurricane season begins June 1; families encouraged to prepare now

- Dominion Virginia Power offers online safety tips, alerts for customers

- Save money: Purchase hurricane-related supplies during Virginia tax-free holiday May 25-31

May 16, 2013

RICHMOND, Va., May 16, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricanes and severe storms are a staple of summer in Virginia. Dominion Virginia Power is making sure it's prepared for the June 1 start of hurricane season and urging its customers to get ready, too.

The company works year-round with state and local authorities to make sure it can respond quickly to the extensive damage that major storms, especially hurricanes, can cause. As the start of hurricane season approaches, Dominion also conducts refresher training and multi-day emergency preparedness and response drills.

Virginians can save money if they purchase hurricane-related supplies and equipment from May 25-31 when some of it will be exempt from state sales tax. Information is available at: http://www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=HurricanePreparednessEquipmentHoliday

Here are some important tips for customers when a storm approaches:

Treat all downed lines and anything touching them as energized and dangerous. Be sure your children know the danger.
Report and check the status of power outages when using the company's website at www.dom.com via smartphone, other mobile device or computer. You will need the account number or 10-digit phone number listed on the account, and the last four digits of your Social Security number, federal tax identification number or PIN. Phone numbers can be updated online through Manage Your Account or by calling our phone number update line at 1-800-222-0401.
You also can report an outage using Dominion's toll-free service number, 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357). Program this number into your phone's memory or keep it handy so you can find it if the lights go out.
Put together an emergency preparedness kit with needed supplies such as flashlights, water, medicines, portable radios, extra batteries and canned goods.
Look after neighbors and relatives who may need assistance if they lose power.

Dominion offers extensive information online. Real-time electric outage maps and restoration information, safety tips and much more are posted at Dominion's website, www.dom.com, its online storm center at www.dom.com/storm-center/index.jsp and through www.twitter.com/DomVAPower and www.facebook.com/dominionvirginiapower.

General hurricane preparedness information is available at the Federal Emergency Management Agency's "Ready America" website: http://www.fema.gov/areyouready/hurricanes.shtm. Weather reports including those provided by the National Hurricane Center are posted at http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/.

If severe weather is expected, take these common-sense steps to prepare:

Check out the hurricane evacuation guidelines available at the Virginia Department of Transportation's Web site: http://www.virginiadot.org/travel/hurricane_default.asp. Also see the information on the Virginia Department of Emergency Management's Web site at: http://www.vaemergency.com/readyvirginia/stayinformed/hurricanes.
If you experience an outage, report it and then turn off major appliances such as heat pumps, water heaters and stoves. Unplug other appliances such as TVs, stereos, microwaves and computers. This may extend the life of appliances and reduce possible overloads to the company's system when power is restored. Leave one lamp or light on so you will be able to recognize when power is restored.
Follow safe operating procedures for generators. Never operate one inside your home or in an enclosed space, such as a garage. Do not hook them directly to the electrical system of your home. Electricity could flow backwards onto our power lines and endanger repair crews. The correct, safe technique is to follow the instructions provided with the generator and always use proper-sized extension cords.

Dominion (NYSE: D) is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,000 megawatts of generation 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,400 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems 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.

Save time, energy and postage by enrolling in Dominion's eBill paperless billing program at: https://www.dom.com/find-it-fast/payment-options/paperless-billing.jsp

Visuals: Supporting videos can be downloaded at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBnLg_h9bnA&feature=youtu.be and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-m8G27FxhU&feature=youtu.be

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power

Dominion Shuts Down Kewaunee Power Station Permanently

Tue, 07 May 2013 13:52:00 -0400

May 7, 2013

CARLTON, Wis., May 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion (NYSE: D) today shut down its 556-megawatt Kewaunee Power Station permanently, ending almost 40 years of nuclear-generated electricity at the station located about 35 miles southeast of Green Bay on Lake Michigan.

Dominion announced last fall that it would close the station and decommission it because the company was unable to grow a Midwestern nuclear fleet to take advantages of economies of scale and Kewaunee's power purchase agreements were ending at a time of projected low wholesale electricity prices in the region.

"This decision was based purely on economics. The dedicated employees have operated the station safely and well," said David Heacock, president of Dominion Nuclear and chief nuclear officer of Dominion. "We will keep our focus on safety as we transition the station toward decommissioning."

Kewaunee went into service on June 16, 1974. Operators began reducing power output at the station at 8 a.m. CDT and opened the electrical output circuit breakers shortly after 11 a.m. CDT, which removed the unit from the Midwest ISO transmission system. Over its life, the power station generated about 148 million megawatt-hours of electricity.

"Kewaunee Power Station achieved nearly 40 years of clean, safe and reliable operation, which is a testament to nuclear technology and the dedicated former and current employees," Heacock said. "The company has taken steps to assist Kewaunee employees during the transition process and in the coming months will begin working to place the station's systems safely in storage for decommissioning."

In the weeks ahead, station personnel will begin removing all 121 fuel assemblies from the reactor and storing them in the used fuel pool before commencing activities to place the unit in SAFSTOR, a U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission-approved method for long-term monitoring and storage of a closed nuclear unit. Under federal law, the company must decommission the unit and return the site to a green field condition within 60 years.

"This closing does not herald the end of our company's commitment to nuclear power," Heacock said. "It is a safe, reliable and carbon-free technology, but as with all forms of generation, it must compete on economics, including the necessity of being price competitive on a regional level."

Dominion is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,500 megawatts of generation, 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,300 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems 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

Dominion Virginia Power seeks First Fuel Rate Increase In Two Years

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:05:00 -0400

- Company cites expected higher fuel costs, increasing electricity demand

- Monthly residential bill would remain below national, regional levels

- Company's base electric rates, profit level to remain unchanged

May 3, 2013

RICHMOND, Va., May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Virginia Power asked state regulators today to approve the first fuel rate increase in two years as fuel prices and customer demand for electricity are projected to increase by July 2014.

If approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission (SCC), the monthly 1,000 kilowatt-hour bill for the typical Dominion residential customer would increase by $2.36, from $108.39 to $110.75, which would still be below national and regional averages. The increase would occur July 1, pending the annual review and decision by the commission.

The fuel rate, which comprises about 25 percent of a typical residential bill, pays for the natural gas, coal, uranium and biomass the company purchases to generate electricity for its 2.3 million Virginia customers. Base rates and special charges for approved new power projects, energy efficiency measures and transmission make up the remainder of the bill.

The company earns no profit on what it collects for fuel and passes any cost savings or increases directly to customers. Dominion maintains a balanced fuel mix, which reduces price volatility when one fuel source is relied on too heavily.

The primary drivers for the requested adjustment are higher fuel prices, a return to normal demand for electricity from customers and one additional nuclear refueling outage in the next year compared to the previous year. Dominion's nuclear power stations produce the least expensive electricity among its fuel sources; therefore, replacement electricity needed during the refueling outages that occur every 18 months is usually more expensive.

Other annual rate adjustments either are occurring or are proposed to occur between today and Sept. 1. The SCC recently approved a 19-cent increase in the typical monthly residential bill, effective tomorrow, for the company's energy efficiency programs. On Sept. 1, a $1.32 monthly increase is proposed pending SCC approval of the Brunswick County Power Station (83 cents) and transmission-related costs (49 cents).

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,500 megawatts of generation, 11,000 miles of natural gas transmission, gathering and storage pipeline and 6,300 miles of electric transmission lines. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems 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.

Follow us on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/DomVAPower.

'Like' us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dominionvirginiapower

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power

Dominion Breaks Ground At Largest Fuel Cell Power Project In North America

Fri, 03 May 2013 11:05:00 -0400

- 14.9-megawatt, Connecticut facility will produce electricity for about 15,000 homes

- Project is part of state program designed to add 150 megawatts of renewable energy in Connecticut

- FuelCell Energy Inc. will construct and operate power park

May 3, 2013

BRIDGEPORT, Conn., May 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch today joined officials from Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest energy companies, and FuelCell Energy Inc. (Nasdaq: FCEL) to break ground at the largest fuel cell power project in North America.

Dominion Bridgeport Fuel Cell, which is being built downtown alongside Interstate 95 and the Northeast rail corridor, will produce 14.9 megawatts of clean energy – enough to power approximately 15,000 homes – using an electro-chemical process that efficiently converts natural gas into electricity.

"This power station will generate clean, reliable, base load electricity for Connecticut," said David A. Christian, Dominion Generation chief executive officer. "Our clean energy portfolio today includes wind, hydro, biomass, and, soon, solar and this facility when it begins operating later this year. Along with electricity, this project supports Connecticut's clean energy goals while producing significant economic development benefits for the State and the City of Bridgeport."

Dominion Bridgeport Fuel Cell is part of Project 150, a program sponsored by the state and supported by the Clean Energy Finance and Investment Authority (CEFIA) to increase renewable and clean energy projects in Connecticut by 150 megawatts. CEFIA is the nation's first full-scale clean energy finance authority that leverages public and private funds to drive investment and scale up clean energy deployment in Connecticut. This project was supported by the City of Bridgeport, which provides a tax incentive development agreement that will be in place for the life of the project.

"Cleaner, cheaper, more reliable energy is a critical part of strengthening our economy," said Malloy. "For years Connecticut residents and businesses have paid energy costs that top anywhere else in the nation—to the detriment of family budgets and commerce. With our new energy strategy and a focus on increasing renewable power options and efficiency measures, we will bring down costs for ratepayers, reduce carbon emissions, and create thousands of clean energy jobs."

"We are proud to be the home for one of the largest fuel cell facilities in North America," said Finch. "This is a great example of public-private partnerships working together to create jobs, expand economic development and make our environment cleaner by producing virtually pollution-free electricity with a low carbon footprint. This fuel cell park is another successful addition to the city's expanding Eco-Industrial Park. Many thanks go to Dominion and FuelCell Energy for their diligence in moving this project forward, and to Gov. Malloy for promoting clean energy projects in the state of Connecticut."

FuelCell Energy Inc. will build, operate, and maintain the facility under contract to Dominion. FCE is supplying five Direct FuelCell® stationary fuel cell power plants and an organic rankine turbine that will convert heat from the fuel cells into additional electricity.

FuelCell Energy has expanded its Connecticut manufacturing workforce by more than 20 percent or more than 50 jobs in the past six months, reflecting demand such as this Bridgeport fuel cell park. The project is scheduled to be completed and placed into operation in late 2013. Dominion will sell the output of the fuel cell power station to Connecticut Light & Power under a 15-year fixed power purchase agreement.

Dominion owns several renewable energy facilities in the United States, including wind farms in West Virginia and Indiana, a biomass power station in Virginia with three more under construction and hydroelectric power stations in Virginia and North Carolina. The company has also announced a 7.7-megawatt solar project in Georgia and the first company-owned rooftop solar installation in Virginia.

SOURCE Dominion

Dominion Virginia Power Selects Old Dominion University For First Rooftop Solar Power Installation

Thu, 02 May 2013 08:05:00 -0400

- First installation in newly approved 30-megawatt Solar Partnership Program

- 600-plus solar panels will generate enough electricity for 35 homes

May 2, 2013

NORFOLK, Va., May 2, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Virginia Power has selected Old Dominion University to be the first participant in the company's Solar Partnership Program. More than 600 solar panels will be installed this summer on the roof of ODU's Student Recreation Center in the heart of the campus and generate 132 kilowatts for the electric grid.

"This installation will pave the way for us to assess the benefits of solar facilities on our electrical distribution system," said Ken Barker, Dominion Virginia Power vice president-Customer Solutions. "This new program is already encouraging the growth of solar energy in Virginia as many other customers have contacted us and shown interest."

The Solar Partnership Program was approved by the Virginia State Corporation Commission last November. Dominion will construct and operate up to 30 megawatts of company-owned solar facilities on leased rooftops or on the grounds of commercial businesses and public properties throughout the company's Virginia service area. Fully implemented, the program would generate enough power for 7,500 homes. Each installation could generate as much as two megawatts of electricity.

"When the program was announced last year, it was readily apparent that Old Dominion University was a perfect fit for this innovative project," said ODU President John R. Broderick. "Our Student Recreation Center is one of the main hubs of activity on our campus and our university, as a whole, is a hub of alternative energy research. This installation is yet another example of ODU's leadership in the development of solar installations and ground-breaking solar energy research."

The 132-kilowatt solar project should generate enough power during daylight hours to supply the energy needs of approximately 35 homes. The project is expected to be completed late this summer. Energy information from the installation will be available at a lobby kiosk inside the Student Recreation Center and in Kaufman Hall, ODU's engineering school.

Dominion Virginia Power is a subsidiary of Dominion (NYSE: D), one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy, with a portfolio of approximately 27,500 megawatts of generation. Dominion operates one of the nation's largest natural gas storage systems and serves retail energy customers in 15 states. For more information about Dominion, visit the company's website at www.dom.com.

Old Dominion University is Virginia's forward-focused research university for students who want rigorous academics and an energetic residential community. ODU's nationally recognized faculty challenge students to achieve their highest goals. Engaging and relevant learning opportunities teach skills for success. An entrepreneurial approach drives research and collaboration, and the university contributes nearly $1 billion to the economy.

Follow us on Twitter at: http://www.twitter.com/DomVAPower.
'Like' us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/dominionvirginiapower

SOURCE Dominion Virginia Power

Artist's illustration of rooftop solar panels planned for Old Dominion University (click to enlarge).