Kim Lowers is the privatization base manager at Dominion Energy. She works with military base customers at Fort Eustis in Newport News, Fort Story in Virginia Beach, and Fort Gregg-Adams in Prince George County. These bases are as large as cities and have commissaries, fire stations, museums, hotels, and universities.
Lowers has been with Dominion Energy for 38 years and served in various fields, including customer service, metering, accounting, and construction. She was the first woman to serve as construction manager for the company’s Peninsula and Williamsburg offices, a position she held for eight and a half years, and was also the only woman in that business unit for many years. She is also the first woman to serve as a privatization base manager, a role she has held for the past five years.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I knew as a child I always wanted to do something to help people. When I was a senior in high school, I worked part-time at Dominion Energy (known as Virginia Power back then). I found out quickly that this is what I wanted to do…help customers! Each call was different, and I loved the challenge of finding a solution to help our customers. I’ve been here for 38 years, and I love my job just as much today as I did when I first started.
What is a typical day like for you?
I’m responsible for three military bases, so my daily tasks vary. My team and I work together to ensure we meet the military’s needs 24/7, 365 days each year. We take pride in providing resiliency and reliable electrical service, whether it is completing new service requests or restoring power after a storm. I meet weekly with government business partners to discuss how we can best support them with their electrical strategy. My team and I offer recommendations for service upgrades and new technology options like electric vehicle charges, microgrids, wind, and solar.
What do you like about working in your industry?
I love being a part of this industry to provide safe, reliable energy. There is so much to learn, and it’s never boring. I have met so many incredible co-workers and customers throughout my career. When our customers say, “thank you,” I never take those words for granted. I feel just as happy to have helped them as they are to receive the assistance.
Who or what inspires you in your job?
Keeping the lights on for our military inspires me, so they can do their job and provide security for our country. I play a small part in their mission, but I value my role and always aim to do it well.
What do you like to do for fun?
I like to do crafts at a local nursing home. I call it Kimmy’s Craft Time. The residents are so appreciative for the time we spend together. I also enjoy cutting grass, playing at the beach, fishing, and spending time with my family and grandchildren.
What do you like about living and working in Hampton Roads?
Hampton Roads is an awesome place to live and work! It’s the beltway to enjoy coastal activities or travel a few hours for a mountain view. It’s a blessing to me to have all branches of our military in Hampton Roads because it gives me an opportunity to meet people from all over the world. I enjoy sharing my experiences and thoughts on places they should see, historical sites to visit, theme parks, or restaurants. Hampton Roads has something for everyone.