Friday Morning Rundown

Cardless Metro? — Metrorail will institute a test program that will use smartphones instead of farecards. The agency awarded a $184 million contract to Accenture to test the idea at 10 rail stations, 50 Metrobuses and at two parking lots. The new technology will provide more flexibility, reliability and more choices for riders, say Metro officials. [Washington Post]

Energy Checkup Will Aid Reston — In honor of Reston’s 50th anniversary in 2014,  the non-profit Local Energy Alliance Program (LEAP) is offering a one-hour Home Energy Check-Up. The check up, a $250 value, costs Reston Association members $45 — and LEAP will donate $10 to Friends of Reston. [Reston Association]

Check Out The Avant — The Avant, the luxurious new rental apartment building at Reston Town Center, is inviting you in on Friday. Stop by their open house from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be champagne and cupcakes, as well as tours of the model units. The Avant is located at 12025 Town Square St.

Record Power Demand For Dominion — Dominion Virginia Power met record demand for electricity during Tuesday’s frigid temperatures. Use of heaters during the record cold temperatures earlier this week helped push energy demand to 19,730 megawatts during the day on Tuesday. That’s well above the previous peak winter demand record of 18,079 megawatts, set in February 2007, but below the company’s summertime record of 20,061 megawatts, set in July 2011. [Dominion]

Photo of a chilly Lake Thoreau courtesy of Carole Burnett