Regarding the Dominion Energy Index, this should explain it.
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This layer was digitized by Ted Saari Spring 2001.
He typed in the index for each of 300+ MSAs, applied the kriging interpolation in surfer, and then 
printed and digitized the contour maps that resulted.  The document that follows and the link 
should adequately describe the Dominion Index, which is like the Heating & Cooling Degree Days,
only (they say) better.





This link will explain all about it.

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 <A HREF="http://www.cng.com/corp/aboutcng/html/energyi.htm">Energy Index</A> 


What is the Dominion Energy Index?
The Dominion Energy Index is a new, better method to forecast and estimate 
the weather's daily impact on home heating and cooling energy needs. 

The Dominion Energy Index takes into account a variety of factors in 
producing seven-day forecasts each day for 100 U.S. cities, nine geographic 
regions and the United States as a whole. 

The traditional method of forecasting heating and cooling needs is based on 
"degree days." Degree days are determined by averaging the day's maximum and 
minimum outdoor temperatures and comparing that number with 65. If the 
degree-day total is above 65, it is assumed that cooling is needed; if the 
degree-day total is below 65, it is assumed that heating is needed. 

While being a useful rule of thumb, degree days are often far from accurate 
in estimating energy requirements. One reason is that outdoor air temperature 
is not the only factor in determining how much heating or cooling is needed. 
Even on days when the degree-day is the same, a home's heating or cooling 
needs can vary by 20 percent or more. 

To provide a more accurate measure of energy needs, the Dominion Energy Index 
takes into account daily maximum and minimum outdoor temperatures as well as 
daytime cloud cover, relative humidity and the previous day's weather. Other 
factors, such as current construction standards and the heat given off by 
home appliances and lighting, are also included. 

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BTW, I am attaching a file with computer parts prices that I though you may 
be interested in seeing.

Regards,

Ted

    [ Part 2, Application/OCTET-STREAM (Name: "DAILY3.XLS")  188KB. ]
    [ Unable to print this part. ]

