Contact: Priscilla Knight, 703-392-1580, pknight@novec.com
NORTHERN VIRGINIA — The Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative, preparing for new heat and power-demand records over the July 23-25 weekend, is asking customers to conserve energy by setting their air conditioner thermostats at 78 degrees and using major appliances early in the mornings or after 7 p.m.
"Here we go again," says Mike Curtis, NOVEC vice president of Public Relations. "Our customers set an all-time Co-op record for electricity demand on July 6 when they used 848 megawatts at one point in the day. They may break that record on Saturday if the forecast is correct."
Curtis notes that the previous record was set on June 23, 2010, when electricity demanded in an instant peaked at 830 megawatts.
"The difference between 830 and 848 megawatts is huge," explains Larry Shaffer, manager of NOVEC's System Operations Center. "It's the equivalent of an entire substation that supplies electricity to thousands of customers. We've never had so much demand put on our system."
Shaffer adds, "We constantly monitor our system and look for potential stress points. Consequently, we're prepared for hot days when demand soars. But, to be on the safe side, we need everyone to conserve energy as much as possible in the afternoons."
NOVEC receives its bulk electricity from the PJM Interconnection Regional Transmission Organization. PJM coordinates the electric grid in 13 states and the District of Columbia. On July 7, 2010, when the temperature reached 102 degrees, PJM sent an "emergency event" message to NOVEC and its electric utilities in Virginia and North Carolina to cut back power use immediately. NOVEC broadcasted the message and customers responded.
"Our computers showed power use shooting up on July 7 towards the emergency zone," recounts Curtis. "With the help of the media and activation of our 46,000 load management switches that cycled off air conditioners and water heaters, we watched the demand graph start to go down. NOVEC's system held up very well and showed no signs of weakness, but we could get another call from PJM to reduce power use this weekend. We urge everyone to use energy wisely this weekend and every day of the year."
NOVEC's 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.
- Replace or clean the air conditioner filter monthly.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs, which produce only 10 percent light but 90 percent heat, 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 or oven. Grill outdoors.
- Spend time in a finished basement where temperatures are cooler.
For more energy-saving information, visit www.novec.com/useitwisely.
NOVEC, headquartered in Manassas, Va., is a not-for-profit corporation that distributes electricity and energy services to more than 144,000 customers in Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford and Clarke counties, and the City of Manassas Park. It is one of the largest electric distribution cooperatives in the nation.
For more information, visit www.novec.com or call 703-335-0500 or 1-888-335-0500.
