- Innovative program opens doors to wide range of energy conservation options

- 'Smart grid' uses 'smart meters' to offer customers more control over electric bills

- Improved efficiency would save money, reduce environmental impact

CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va., June 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Charlottesville has been selected as the first city in Virginia and one of the first in the nation to benefit from 'smart grid' technology that will make the delivery of electricity more efficient and less costly while improving customer service. Smart grid capabilities also will promote energy conservation and environmental responsibility.

Dominion Virginia Power executives joined Gov. Timothy M. Kaine, University of Virginia President John Casteen, state and local officials, and private industry partners today to unveil SmartGrid Charlottesville. The $20 million program begins with the installation of about 46,500 'smart meters' in the city of Charlottesville and Albermarle County. More than half of the meters have been installed, with completion scheduled by the end of this year.

'This program launches a new era in energy efficiency and customer empowerment for Virginia,' said Thomas F. Farrell II, chairman, president and chief executive officer of Dominion. 'As the smart grid develops, energy conservation capabilities and programs will grow and provide additional benefits for our customers, the environment and our company.'

Pending regulatory approval where required, the highlights ultimately are expected to include:

• Automatic energy usage reduction of about 4 percent or more annually for typical residential customers through more-efficient management of energy delivery by Dominion.