Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
MANASSAS, VA, August 9, 2007—Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative customers seeking relief from 100 plus degree heat set an electricity demand record on Wednesday afternoon, August 8, 2007 with a maximum hourly peak of 806,206 kilowatts. This hourly peak demand broke the August 1, 2006 record of 782,221 kilowatts.
According to Jim Moxley, senior vice president, NOVEC has anticipated increased electric loads and prepared the Co-op's electric system for heavy summer power demand. "We constantly monitor the system, looking for potential stress points, especially during times of high heat and power demand. That information helps us design specific strategies so that all circuits will deliver the power our customers need to keep cool," Moxley said.
NOVEC encourages customers to conserve energy at work and home as much as practical in order to hold down costs when temperatures soar.
Home Energy-Saving Cooling Tips- Close blinds, shades and drapes to block the sun's heat.
- Set the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.
- Use electric fans, including the central air conditioner fan; the more air circulates, the cooler people feel.
- Make sure the air conditioner filter is clean. If not, replace it.
- Incandescent light bulbs produce 10 percent light, but 90 percent heat. Turn them off if they are not needed. Replace them with compact fluorescent bulbs, which do not create heat and last much longer.
- Power off computers and other electric devices when not in use.
- Run major appliances such as dishwashers, dryers and ovens during cooler evening and morning hours.
- Cook with a microwave oven instead of the stove and oven. Grill outdoors.
- Spend time in a finished basement where temperatures are cooler. Have a family slumber party.
