Dominion Energy shares tips to save money during energy demand increase as temperatures rise

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- The temperatures in Greater Richmond are expected to feel around 110 degrees Fahrenheit between Monday and Wednesday. Luckily for Dominion Energy customers, company spokesperson Craig Carper said there have not been any rolling blackouts and brownouts over the last several years.

Dominion admits, however, customers may notice a spike in their bills depending on energy use. 8News talked with Carper about what Dominion has to say about the weather and how its customers can keep more money in their pockets despite the hot weather.

Dominion told 8News America is in the highest growth for demand in energy since World War II. The company said despite an increased demand for power in the Richmond heat, Dominion is confident its systems will work reliably.

Richmonders this week may decide to crank down the thermostat or plug in fans to keep cool. Carper said the company has been building additional generation, transmission and distribution facilities for its nearly three million customers in Virginia.

So, customers may be stuck with a high bill depending on their demand.

In addition to not turning off the HVAC system, Dominion recommends turning up the thermostat one or two degrees warmer than a "normal" indoor room temperature, turning on the ceiling fans, closing the blinds during the height of the day and waiting to run the dishwasher and the washer and dryer until the sun goes down.

When leaving the house, Carper offers for customers to turn the thermostat to 78 degrees and turn the temperature back down when returning home to save money.

"If we're all using energy as sensibly as we can, you're going to see a noticeable difference on your bill," Carper said.

There's some other Dominion programs designed for customers to save money including the Peak Time Rebate Program which offers credits when customers limit energy use during specific times and the EnergyShare bill assistance program.