Washington, D.C. - Pepco customers' demand for power set a new all-time record peak this afternoon for the second day in a row, unofficially reaching about 6,865 megawatts between 4 and 5 p.m., surpassing Tuesday's unofficial peak of 6,858 MW.

Pepco has been able to meet demand with good performance from its distribution system during the current spate of excessive heat and humidity that is causing electrical equipment to run continuously with very little nighttime cooling.

The heat wave is expected to continue through Thursday and Pepco continues to urge customers to use energy wisely, especially during peak usage hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  

Pepco offers the following conservation tips:

• Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside your home, apartment or business.
• Postpone using major heat-producing appliances like electric stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until the evening hours; if possible, delay using them until the extreme heat subsides.
• Set your air-conditioner thermostat higher than usual if health permits.
• Turn off non-essential lights, appliances and equipment. This is especially important for business customers of all types.

The new peak in power demand is an unofficial reading, subject to adjustment when additional transmission system data is available.

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Pepco, a subsidiary of Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), delivers safe, reliable and affordable electric service to more than 745,000 customers in Maryland and the District of Columbia.