Safety, Safety! Read All About It!

Posted on May 16, 2013 by

This is my safety gear for work. I've got on my vest, steel-toe boots and my UV-protected shades. I'm ready to work!

This is my safety gear for work. I’ve got on my vest, steel-toe boots and my UV-protected shades. I’m ready to work!

Do you know what time of the year it is? It’s a big one for us: May is National Electrical Safety Month! Safety is a top priority here at Dominion – not only just for our employees, but even more so for YOU! We want to make sure we take the necessary safety precautions in everything we do, so we can keep the power flowing to you safely.

But we also want to help you use electricity safely. Sometimes when we get into a routine, it can be easy to forget to treat electricity with respect. So, I’ve done a little research and compiled some of the best “need to know” electrical safety tips right here just for you. Check them out:

POWER LINE SAFETY

1. Stay away from downed power lines. Always assume they are ENERGIZED and DANGEROUS.

2. Be sure to locate power lines before you begin chores such as cleaning gutters or trimming trees. Keep ladders away from power lines, too.

http://youtu.be/7FkKvXgfOig

3. Do not fly kites or toss objects around power lines. It can cause damage to the lines and possibly result in electrocution.

4. If your vehicle comes into contact with power lines, the best thing to do is wait for emergency personnel to arrive.

5. Keep high power water squirters away from power lines. Water conducts electricity and can travel down a stream of water to you.

ELECTRICAL SAFETY AT HOME

GFCI Outlet

1. Be sure to test your GFCI (ground fault circuit interrupter) outlets once a month to make sure they are working properly.

2. Don’t overload electrical outlets. If your TV picture shrinks or flickers when major appliances are turned on, or if fuses or circuit breakers blow frequently, you should have your circuits and wiring checked.

3. Never unplug or carry anything by its cord. And don’t run cords under carpets or furniture; the cords can overheat and or become frayed.

4. Teach your kids not to poke things into electrical outlets, toasters, or any other appliances, whether they’re on or off. Use plug covers or inserts in all your outlets.

5. Use only appliances and equipment approved by Underwriters Laboratories (look for the UL listing on the label), or other recognized testing laboratories.

I could go on and on about electrical safety, but we’ve got plenty more resources on our web site for you to check out. It really is easy for you to stay safe, just remember that electricity takes the shortest way to the ground and it will go through many different types of objects to get there . . . including you!

Be safe today — and every day!

That’s all from me,

Dee

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Take a Little, Make a Little

Posted on May 14, 2013 by

Today I was invited to visit some “net-zero energy” low-income senior apartments that we helped build through donations from the philanthropic arm of our company, The Dominion Foundation.  The project, called Beckstoffer’s Mill, was developed by the Better Housing Coalition in Richmond, Virginia.

Bex_Srs_net_zero_front_Elevation_4_18_13_deeSo if you’re like me, I’m sure you’re wondering what does “net-zero energy” mean?  It basically means that these apartments are constructed to use as little energy as possible to begin with, and if that isn’t enough, they also have the ability to generate as much energy as they consume – hence the name “net-zero” energy.

They use some really cutting edge technologies. For example, they built the apartments using things like high performance insulation and windows, Energy Star appliances, high-efficiency heat pumps, solar hot water heaters, and low flow toilets.  These are all great ways to reduce how much energy you use. But the key to “net-zero” is to be able to also generate some of your own power – so they have photovoltaic panels that generate electricity when the sun is shining. When the sun isn’t shining, residents buy their power from us.  The really cool part is that if they actually generate more power than they need, we have programs that pay them for sharing their extra power back with our grid so that our other customers can use their “green power.”

So, why do we support technologies that help customers use less power from us? That’s easy – we’re a public service company and our job is to provide reliable power as cost effectively as possible. Technologies like these are being developed to help take advantage of renewable power sources like solar and wind, which over time can help reduce the need to build new power stations.

That’s about it for now, but I have to admit that I sure wish I could live at a place like Beckstoffer’s Mill! How about you?

That’s all from me,

Dee

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High-Flying Cowboys . . . Lineman Style

Posted on May 9, 2013 by

IMG_1745_DeeThey call it the Lineman’s Rodeo, but you won’t see bull riding and bucking broncos at this rodeo. Cowboy hats are replaced with hard hats and all the action is sky-high.

Teams from around the southeast competed in the 2013 Gaff-n-Go Lineman’s Rodeo in April. All sectors of the electric utility industry were represented, including: electric cooperatives, investor-owned utilities, municipal power systems and contract utility companies – all competing to prove they had the best linemen skills in the business.

We sent six linemen to the rodeo this year and I had the opportunity to go check out our “high-flying” cowboys in action! A little friendly competition never hurt anyone and these guys are masters at using mental focus and muscle to keep the lights on for customers while staying safe in the process.

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The 2013 Dominion Rodeo Team

Jason Burnette, Richmond,VA; Jay Fasenmyer, Orange,VA; Brock Hawthorne, Richmond, VA; Adam Nesbitt, Petersburg,VA; Kenny Newton, Norfolk,VA; Jared Seeloff,  Norfolk, VA

And our lineman didn’t come home empty handed…

 Congratulations to the following:

The team of Jason Burnette, Jay Fasenmyer, and Jared Seeloff

1st place Climbing Skills Demonstration

2nd place Replace OCR Switches for Routine Maintenance

3rd place Insulator Change Out

3rd place Replace Failed Transformer

3rd place Equipment Operator – Recloser Change Out

Brock Hawthorne

3rd place Overall Apprentice Winner

3rd place Written Test Score

Adam Nesbitt

2nd place Overall Apprentice Winner

2nd place Written Test Score

Awesome jobs, guys! Looking forward to next year!

That’s all from me,

Dee

Posted in Fun With Dee | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Dig This!

Posted on May 2, 2013 by
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It’s me in my safety gear!

Springtime has arrived and many of us are eager to spend the day in the yard pruning shrubs, pulling out weeds, laying down new mulch. It’s like the old motto says: “Out with the old, in with the new” . . . plants, trees and shrubs that is.

But before you start digging any holes, you need to know what’s below. Accidentally digging into power lines is extremely dangerous and can result in serious injury or death. So what do you need to do ?

1. Call First – You never know how far underground utility lines are so it’s important to dial 8-1-1 to make sure the coast is clear before you start digging!

2. Respect the Marks – Often times, it is already indicated where utility lines are present by marks on the ground – so respect the marks! Even in this case, it’s important that you call to know what’s below if you’re going to dig holes near the marks.

So before, you start your spring landscaping just remember to find out what’s below – it will keep you and your family safe!

Check out this short video for kids on the importance of calling before you dig.

That’s all from me,

Dee

Posted in Helping Customers, Reliability, Safety | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Blue Shirt Alert! Our Volunteers in Action

Posted on April 25, 2013 by

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I cannot think of a better way to spend an evening than at the annual Dominion Volunteers of the Year Banquet. Once a year, Dominion honors outstanding employees who serve in their communities.  We ask these active honorees to hang up their “Dominion blue” volunteer shirts for one evening, sit back, and be recognized for all they do outside of their Dominion workplace.

Dominica_Volunteer_gardening_10.45in

My volunteer gear!

I consider myself an active volunteer, but these outstanding people really showed me up.  Eight volunteers were recognized at the event on April 16 in Richmond, VA, and five more will be spotlighted tonight in Akron, OH.

The theme of this year’s volunteer banquet is “Cultivating Our Communities,” and boy, does this group of volunteers do just that!

Not only do these employees actively support Dominion projects, such as our annual Putting Our Energy to Work for the Environment projects, and our newest program, Dominion Energizing Communities, but they also find the time to support other organizations that are near and dear to their hearts. They dedicate countless hours – and support their communities in countless ways.

2012_VOY_Bob_Doniel

2012 Volunteer of the Year
Bob Doniel, Fredericksburg, VA

Take Honoree Bob Doniel, for example. He is a project leader for Dominion’s Putting Our Energy to Work for the Environment program, which means he coordinates dozens of employees to help take on a major environmental improvement project every Fall. Bob also volunteers as a coordinator for Wreaths Across America, an organization which lays thousands of wreaths each year at Arlington National Cemetery.  He also invests thousands of hours as a volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts of America.

And that’s just Bob! To learn about the 12 other Volunteers of the Year, check out their stories in this video:

Again, congratulations to Dominion’s 2012 Dominion Volunteers of the Year:

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(Front Row from left to right) Chesley Delans, Richmond VA; Linda Warren, Surry, VA; Willie Phillips, Virginia Beach, VA
(Back row from left to right) Bob Doniel, Fredericksburg, VA; Phillip Sandino, Herndon, VA; Robert Kelly, Richmond, VA; Holly Kelly, Waterford, CT; Dan Emery, Kewaunee, WI

(Others not photographed:  Don Campbell, Pittsburgh, PA; ; Neil Durbin, Cleveland, OH; ;Joi Gilliam-Norris, Clarksburg, WV; John Hartung, Clarksburg, WV; Lisa Weinsheimer, Akron, OH)

That’s all from me,

Dee

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Timbeerrrrrr!

Posted on April 18, 2013 by

PENN-LINE-BUCKETS-ON-CIRCUIT-335-016-deeThere’s a tree limb hanging on or near the power line in your yard – you’re tired of looking at it and you’re ready to chop it down. But wait! Before you decide to chop that tree, there are a few things you should know.

Customers often ask us if we trim trees or WHY we have to trim trees near their yard. So I did a little digging and hooked up with my friends in the forestry department to help provide some clarity on the matter and here’s what I found out:

First things first – yes, we DO trim trees. That’s because it is our responsibility to provide you with safe, reliable power at all times. We prune trees on a scheduled cycle – usually every 3 years. If there is work scheduled for your area, we make sure to let you know typically 30 days in advance! There are also instances where you will let us know that a tree is endangering a line and we will send someone out to assess it.

Most importantly, we want you to be safe! We encourage you to regularly trim trees and shrubbery, but you should never attempt to trim any vegetation growing within 10 feet of a power line. Give us a call first so that we can ensure it is safe for you to proceed or determine if we will need to do the work.

Another frequent question is, “who will clean up this debris?” If we are performing scheduled work in your area, we will clean up the debris – however, we are unable to do this during major storms because we are focused on restoring power to you. In this case, it is the property owner’s responsibility to clean up the remaining debris.

Overall, we just want to keep the power flowing to you! Keeping trees pruned and clear from power lines is one way we make sure this happens! Check out our web site for even more details on our tree trimming & vegetation management program and Call Before You Dig!

That’s all from me,

Dee

Posted in Helping Customers, Reliability, Safety | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

It’s Easy Being Green in 2013!

Posted on April 11, 2013 by

April is here and you know what that means: Earth Day!  Not what you were thinking?

To be honest, Earth Day is more like Earth MONTH at Dominion.  We take our green season seriously.   I mean look at me; green is definitely the new black.Dominica_Environmental_45in_final

This great weather makes me want to put on my green thinking cap, also known as a visor, and educate all of you on the programs Dominion has to offer so you can go green with us too!

How can you save some green in 2013? Take advantage of our energy conservation programs for your home AND your business:

For Your Home

Step One: Home Energy Check-Up  

This program provides our customers with an easy and low-cost home energy assessment and is the best place to start in determining where your home needs help in the energy-saving department. Incentive: up to $250 Rebate (average is $230)

 Step Two: Heat Pump Tune-Up or Heat Pump Upgrade

Did you know that more than 40% of your home’s energy use is for heating and cooling? Depending on your home’s needs, you can take advantage of either of these programs. Incentive for the heat pump tune-up is a $90 rebate and $200 or $250 rebate for the heat pump upgrade program. Check out our web site for more details.

Step Three: Duct Testing & Sealing

Last (but certainly not least) is our Duct Testing & Sealing program which provides incentives for qualifying customers to test and seal poorly performing duct and air distribution systems. Incentive: $125 Rebate

For Your Business

Energy Audit

An energy auditor performs an on-site energy audit of a qualifying commercial customer’s facility. The customer receives a report showing projected energy and cost savings for making recommended energy improvements and may receive incentives based on the recommended measures implemented.

Duct Testing & Sealing

The Commercial Duct Testing and Sealing program promotes testing and general repair of poorly performing duct and air distribution systems in qualifying non-residential facilities.

But wait, there’s more! Oh yes, there are other ways to turn you into a lean, green energy conscious machine…

Do you want more great programs? Try these!

 Dominion Green Power®

Did you know that you can invest in the development of renewable energy for as little as approximately 43 cents per day?! With our Green Power® program, you have the opportunity to match all or a portion of your home electricity use with wind, solar and biomass energy produced in our region. It’s an easy and affordable way to invest in local energy technology that goes above and beyond Dominion’s efforts.

Fun Fact!  The Richmond Kickers are a recent addition to the Dominion Green Power program and thanks to their support the Kickers are now one of the only soccer organizations in the country to become EPA Green Power Partners!  Join in the celebration of the Kicker’s Green Season 2013 by attending one of their home games.  I’ll be there on April 20th!

 Smart Cooling Rewards

Do you get home from school or work after 6pm every day? This program is an easy way for you to make a quick buck! Participants receive $40 each year for allowing Dominion to install an A/C cycling switch on their outdoor cooling unit. During periods of high electrical use, between June 1 and September 30, Dominion may cycle your home’s cooling system on and off at defined intervals. The fan will stay on, circulating already cooled air.  Cycling periods usually last for about two hours and occur between the hours of 2pm and 6pm.

Want to learn more about Dominion’s programs including our electric vehicle initiative and solar projects and ways the company is going green? Visit our Green Solutions page for more information!

That’s all from me,

Dee

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