Delmarva Power Customers Set New Peak Demand for Power
Wednesday, August 02, 2006
Newark, DE –Delmarva Power set an unofficial new peak demand for electricity use today as customers relied on air conditioning to cope with the soaring heat and humidity.
The previous peak of 4,174 megawatts set July 27, 2005, fell at 5:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 2. The new, unofficial peak total is 4,228 megawatts. One megawatt of electricity is enough to power about 800 to 1,000 homes. The new peak won’t be officially determined until later in the week, when officials reconcile the initial estimate with actual usage.
With heat indexes over the 100 degree mark, air conditioners pushed up power demand by continuously running to keep residences and businesses comfortable. While power supply is adequate, Delmarva Power is continuing to ask customers to use energy wisely, especially during peak usage hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
Delmarva Power offers the following conservation tips:
- Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside your home, apartment or business.
- Postpone using major heat-producing appliances like electric stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until the evening hours; if possible, delay using them until the extreme heat subsides.
- Set your air-conditioner thermostat higher than usual if health permits.
- Turn off non-essential lights, appliances and equipment. This is especially important for business customers of all types.
Additional conservation tips are available at www.delmarva.com.
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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 745,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.
