Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 9, 1994                   TAG: 9407120085
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: RICHMOND                                 LENGTH: Short

VIRGINIA POWER SETS RECORD FOR ELECTRICITY DEMAND IN JUNE

The utility's total output to meet customer demand last month was 6.4 million megawatt-hours, compared with previous record of 5.9 million megawatt-hours set in June 1993.

The all-time record for any single month, 7.3 million megawatt-hours, was set in January, Virginia Power said. Virginia - and much of the East Coast - endured frigid temperatures this past winter.

Virginia Power said electricity needs were increased last month by unusually hot weather, which caused air conditioners and heat pumps to work longer and harder.

Temperatures soared throughout the state last month. In central Virginia, for example, the average temperature of 78 degrees in June was 4.1 degrees above normal, said David Lipson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Virginia Power easily met the increased power demand, said Larry Ellis, senior vice president for Power Operations and Planning.

Virginia Power, the state's largest utility with 1.9 million customers, serves portions of Alleghany, Bath, Bedford, Botetourt and Rockbridge counties.