• Bills will rise with higher usage despite slightly lower fuel rate
• Company urges consumers to take steps to save energy, money
• June 2010 hottest on record for Richmond since 1943

RICHMOND, Va., July 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — With the hottest June on record causing Virginia homeowners to use as much as 76 percent more energy for cooling than in an average June, Dominion Virginia Power is encouraging customers to take steps to save energy and money.

The impact of hot weather on June bills could seem magnified because bills in April and May reflected mild weather as well as rebates from a rate settlement agreement. Dominion Virginia Power’s fuel rate went down slightly July 1 but that will not affect previous bills. For rate information: www.dom.com/varates.

“Outdoor temperatures drive home energy usage more than any other single factor,” said Ken Barker, vice president of customer solutions and energy conservation.  ”The extremely hot weather in recent weeks is sending just about everyone’s energy bills higher, but there are steps you can take to control your energy use.” View Dominion’s video on tips for saving energy in the summer at: www.dom.com/about/conservation/summer-tips.jsp.

Some of the lowest-cost, most effective measures include:

• Raising the thermostat setting to 78 degrees to recognize savings of 1 percent or more on the monthly electric bill for each increase of one degree.
• Changing the direction of a ceiling fan so that the air blows downward in the summer.  A ceiling fan uses less power than air conditioning and increases comfort, particularly when used in conjunction with raising the thermostat.  It can make the room feel 10 degrees cooler.  
• Closing drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat from entering the home. Sunny windows account for a significant amount of unwanted heat and make air conditioners work much harder.
• Scheduling activities that require hot water — such as washing dishes or clothes — for the early morning or late evening. This will result in less heat and humidity being added to your home.  

More tips and videos on conserving energy are available on-line at:  www.dom.com/about/conservation/index.jsp.

Weather impact on cooling needs

Summer temperatures in Virginia thus far have been significantly higher than normal.  As a result, the amount of energy needed to cool a typical single-family home also has increased significantly. Compared with last year, cooling energy needs for June 2010 increased by the following amounts compared with an average June:

• Northern Virginia: 55 percent;
• Richmond: 76 percent; and
• Hampton Roads area: 53 percent.

Many other uses of electricity — such as lighting, cooking, washing and drying clothes, and computers — are not affected by the weather.

At Marshall Mechanical, we are also concerned about your home’s energy costs. That’s why we specialize in geothermal heat pumps and solar-ready air conditioning units and solar heat pumps.  Simply call us today at 804.323.0189 – we can show you how you can reduce your energy bills by up to 70%.  Even something as simple as a programmable thermostat can help you manage energy costs effectively.