Heat Drives Heavy Demand for Electricity

For Immediate Release
August 6, 2001

Pepco and the other regional utilities today requested that the public conserve electricity because of heavy demand for power due to the hot and humid weather blanketing the area.

With the extreme weather conditions predicted for the next few days, demand for electricity will continue to increase. Pepco asks consumers to conserve electricity, if health permits, especially between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. through and including Wednesday, by taking the following steps:

• Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside your home or apartment,
• Postpone using major heat-producing appliances like electric stoves and clothes dryers until the cooler evening hours,
• Set your air-conditioner thermostat higher than usual, and
• Turn off non-essential lights, appliances and equipment.

While Pepco expects to have enough electricity to meet the demands for power, the PJM regional power pool, of which Pepco is a member, may be required to initiate further operational procedures to preserve the integrity of the region's electric power grid. The PJM pool serves 22 million customers in all or parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia.