RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Dominion Virginia Power is asking state regulators for rate increases related to converting three power plants from coal to biomass, and for two other plants.

The energy provider is planning to convert stations in Altavista, Hopewell and Southampton County by 2013. Dominion is asking the State Corporation Commission to increase the monthly bill for a typical residential customer by 14 cents starting April 2012.

Dominion also is asking for increases related to its Bear Garden Power Station in Buckingham County and its Virginia City Hybrid Energy Center in Wise County. If approved, those increases would total $1.17 per month for a typical residential customer starting April 2012.

Rate adjustment clauses allow utilities to collect financing costs over time as projects begin in order to lessen the impact on customer bills.

From the City of Manassas:

Cooling assistance provides purchase or repair of cooling equipment and/or payment for electricty to operate cooling equipment. To be eligible, a household must contain at least one vulnerable individual who is age 60 or over, diabled, or under age 6. Local departments of social services accept applications from June 15 through August 15. Assistance is based on the availability of funds.

What would you expect a four-and-three-quarter-year-old to say at the end of a four-and-a-half-mile hike that she just finished using her own two feet? “What a wonderful day,” Sofi announced when we walked past the old Tavern (that I was wishing was still a tavern) at Great Falls National Park.