DVI Voltage Optimization Technology Helps Choptank Electric Cooperative Reduce Energy Demand by 5% in 2018

RICHMOND, Va., March 6, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Dominion Voltage Inc. (DVI), a subsidiary of Dominion Energy, recently completed a systemwide Volt/VAR Optimization (VVO) implementation at Choptank Electric Cooperative resulting in a 5 percent demand reduction and lower energy costs for the cooperative in 2018.

"We are excited to see how VVO can make a positive impact on managing our peak demand," said Mike Wheatley, President and CEO, Choptank Electric Cooperative. "Not only did DVI's EDGE® VVO solution meet our expectations, it exceeded them. Once the system went into operation, the circuits under VVO control averaged a 3.1 percent voltage reduction, resulting in a 5 percent reduction in peak demand."

"VVO is an innovative and ideal non-wires alternative that public power utilities can use to manage their peak demand," said Todd Headlee, executive director-DVI. "DVI is proud to have worked with Choptank on this important project that will help reduce their system peak and maintain competitive electricity rates for its customers for many decades to come."

NRTC, DVI's reseller for cooperatives, teamed with DVI to propose a voltage management solution that specifically met Choptank Electric's needs for optimized delivery of low-cost energy to its 54,000 customers along Maryland's Eastern Shore.

"NRTC's members demand solutions that have a strong return on investment and bring immediate value to the cooperative and its members," said Tim Bryan, CEO, NRTC. "The business case for Choptank was very strong, and NRTC is pleased to have played a role in helping bring both DVI and Choptank together for this important project."

DVI will be demonstrating the EDGE® product offering in booth #1447 at TechAdvantage, the leading technology conference & exhibition event for electric cooperative professionals, from March 10 – 13, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. Representatives from Choptank Electric will also be in attendance to give a detailed presentation of their project. For more information on attending this presentation, please contact [email protected].

About DVI
DVI is the leading provider of Volt/VAR optimization technology, providing solutions for energy efficiency, demand response, Volt/VAR control, and system reliability. DVI's patented approach plans, manages and validates utilities' grid optimization programs while delivering significant savings to both utilities and their customers (U.S. patents 8437883, 8577510, 9354641, 9563218, 9582020, and other U.S. and international patents pending). For more information about DVI, visit www.dvigridsolutions.com.

About Dominion Energy
Nearly 7.5 million customers in 18 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 is one of the nation's largest producers and transporters of energy with about $100 billion of assets providing electric generation, transmission and distribution, as well as natural gas storage, transmission, distribution and import/export services. As one of the nation's leading solar operators, the company intends to reduce its carbon intensity 60 percent by 2030. Through its Dominion Energy Charitable Foundation, as well as EnergyShare and other programs, Dominion Energy contributed nearly $35 million in 2018 to community causes. Please visit www.dominionenergy.com to learn more.

About Choptank Electric Cooperative
Choptank Electric is an electric distribution cooperative serving approximately 54,000 members on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Founded in 1938, Choptank Electric is committed to providing safe, reliable, and cost effective electricity to its members. Read more about Choptank Electric at www.choptankelectric.coop

About NRTC
NRTC is member driven and technology focused. NRTC provides technology solutions that help our 1,500 electric and telephone members bring all of the advantages of today's evolving technology to rural America. NRTC's products and services are developed specifically to meet the needs of rural utilities and their customers, and include integrated smart grid and utility solutions, data analytics, advanced energy, broadband infrastructure and managed network services, wireless technologies and programming distribution capabilities for video providers. NRTC helps ensure our members' success by aggregating their individual buying power, negotiating national contracts, and helping members integrate technology solutions with existing infrastructure.

SOURCE Dominion Voltage Inc.