PJM and Member Companies Request Residents and Businesses to Conserve

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2001

Pepco and other PJM Power Pool companies ask that customers cut back their non-essential electricity use until early evening unless it is equipment required for health or safety purposes. All PJM Power Pool companies serving 22 million people in the mid-Atlantic area have activated similar reduction programs because of high energy demand due to hot, humid weather.

At 2 p.m. today, Pepco also activated its Kilowatchers Club programs and similar business programs to reduce demand for electricity this afternoon due to the region's high heat and humidity and to ensure a reliable supply of power for all customers.

More than 163,000 residential customers in Pepco's Kilowatchers programs volunteer to allow Pepco to cycle their air conditioners off-and-on periodically on weekday afternoons for no longer than six hours. More than 300 commercial and governmental customers have agreed to reduce their demand as well. These programs are designed to reduce customer demand and avoid the need for mandatory conservation actions by all customers.

Pepco recommends that residential, commercial and government consumers:

• Raise air-conditioner thermostats to at least 78 degrees F.
• Put off until the evening hours the use of ovens, irons, dryers, dishwashers and other major appliances.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights and business equipment.
• Close curtains, blinds and shades to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside.