Dominion Energy Virginia Prepares for Weekend Winter Storm, Urges Customers to Prepare as Well

Rhea-AI Summary

Dominion Energy Virginia is gearing up for a winter storm set to impact its service area starting January 16, 2022. The anticipated storm may bring snow, ice, sleet, and high winds, posing a risk of power outages. To enhance response efforts, Dominion has mobilized crews with assistance from utilities as far as Louisiana and Oklahoma. Preparations include replenishing essential resources in areas critically affected during the previous storm. Customers are advised to report outages via the Dominion Energy app or hotline and prepare emergency kits.

Positive

• Mobilized crews with assistance from utilities in Louisiana and Oklahoma for a quicker response.
• Pre-staging resources in areas likely to be most affected by the storm.
• Encouraging customers to prepare for potential outages could enhance community safety and trust.

Negative

• Potential for widespread power outages due to severe winter weather.

RICHMOND, Va., Jan. 15, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Energy Virginia crews are prepared for the second storm of the year, which is expected to bring winter weather across the company's service area beginning Sunday. The storm could bring snow, ice, sleet, freezing rain and high winds to parts of Virginia, which has the potential to cause power outages.

Dominion Energy's full contingent of crews and contractors is being assisted by utilities as far away as Louisiana and Oklahoma to ensure a safe and timely response. The Company has also pre-staged construction and patrol resources in areas expected to be most impacted. Storerooms and warehouses across the system have been replenished from last week's storm, including those in the hardest hit areas in Fredericksburg, Charlottesville, and Central Virginia. 

"Our crews are ready to rise to any challenge this storm will bring. Customers should prepare, as well, so they can remain safe until our work is done," said Charlene Whitfield, senior vice president of Power Delivery for Dominion Energy.

Here's how customers can stay safe:

• Beware of downed power lines and remember that they could be covered by snow. Assume they are energized and dangerous. Please remain at least 30 feet away and ensure that others also avoid the downed line. Virginia and North Carolina customers should call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) right away to report a downed power line.
• Ensure generators are properly connected. Be sure they are fueled, tested and connected in a well-ventilated area outdoors. Improper use of a generator could be life-threatening for customers and crews working to restore power.
• Create an emergency kit. The National Weather Service recommends creating a basic disaster kit before a storm hits. Store your items in airtight plastic bags and put the entire kit in something that's easy to carry, like a plastic bin or a duffel bag. Learn more about what to include in a basic kit and how customers can prepare.

To ensure the fastest response, Dominion Energy asks customers to report their power outages. The fastest way to report or track an outage is using the Dominion Energy app or online at DominionEnergy.com. Customers may also call 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to report an outage.

About Dominion Energy
About 7 million customers in 13 states energize their homes and businesses with electricity or natural gas from Dominion Energy (NYSE: D), headquartered in Richmond, Va. The company is committed to sustainable, reliable, affordable and safe energy and to achieving net zero carbon dioxide and methane emissions from its power generation and gas infrastructure operations by 2050. Please visit DominionEnergy.com to learn more.

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SOURCE Dominion Energy

FAQ

What is Dominion Energy preparing for in January 2022?

Dominion Energy is preparing for a winter storm expected to bring adverse weather conditions, including snow and ice.

What areas will be impacted by the winter storm?

The storm will affect regions across Virginia.

How can customers report power outages during the storm?

Customers can report outages using the Dominion Energy app or by calling 1-866-DOM-HELP.

What assistance is Dominion Energy receiving for storm response?

Dominion Energy is receiving help from utilities in Louisiana and Oklahoma.

What precautions should customers take during the storm?

Customers are advised to prepare emergency kits and be cautious of downed power lines.