Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
NOVEC asks customers to reduce power use immediately
NORTHERN VIRGINIA – The PJM Interconnection, the electric grid operator for more than 51 million people in 13 states and the District of Columbia, declared “an emergency event” on Wednesday, July 7, 2010, as electric power demand soared along with the temperature. The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative receives power from the PJM grid and asks that all customers reduce electric demand on its distribution system immediately until 7:30 p.m.
The Cooperative has activated its load management system by using more than 52,000 remotely operated control points to turn off electric water heaters and cycle air conditioners.
According to Gil Jaramillo, manager, Business Development and Energy Services, NOVEC customers can reduce demand to help ensure adequate power supplies by:
- Setting the air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees or higher, if health permits
- Closing curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside
- Postponing the use of major electric household appliances, such as the stove, oven, dishwasher, and clothes dryer, until after 7:30 p.m.
- Turning off all unnecessary lights
- Reducing the water heater temperature to 120 degrees
NOVEC’s load management participants will experience a longer than normal control period on their water heaters. “We normally do not turn off water heaters for more than two hours, but due to the extreme demand being placed on the electric delivery system in the region, PJM has requested we extend our control period for six hours. We entered load control at 1:37 p.m. and expect to end control at 7:37 p.m.”
“Air conditioner compressors will be cycled off for 10 minutes every 30 minutes during today’s control period,” notes Jaramillo. “However, the fan will continue to circulate cool air to maintain a comfortable temperature.”
Jaramillo thanks load management customers: “We greatly appreciate the contribution our load management participants are making at this critical time. They’re helping NOVEC keep power flowing to 144,000 customers.”
For more energy-saving tips, go to www.novec.com/useitwisely12.