June 25, 2009
Record Electric Peaks in Austin –On Consecutive Days

Peak electric use in Austin has set new records on two consecutive days. Yesterday (June 24), peak demand hit 2,518 megawatts (MW)--slightly higher than the previous all-time record (2,514 MW) set last August.

Yesterday’s record was shattered today with a new all-time peak of approximately 2, 551 MW.

These two consecutive records represent the highest level of energy use ever in the history of Austin Energy.

The records both days were set between 4:00-5:00 p.m.

Austin Energy has sufficient power to meet this high demand. The state of Texas also has ample generation reserves.  

Customers can help Austin Energy manage peak demand by reducing energy use between 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The key is to reduce heat in the home, which in turn reduces air conditioning needs. Air conditioning is about 70 percent of the average summer electric bill. Tips for reducing energy use and air conditioning:

• Turn off all lights and electronic equipment not needed
• Close blinds and drapes to keep direct sunlight from shining into rooms
• Use a microwave rather than the stove/oven as possible
• Dry clothes at night or during mornings
• Use fans, which can make you feel several degrees cooler
• Set your thermostat a few degrees higher than settings you normally use

Make your home energy efficient. Customers of both Austin Energy and Texas Gas Service can receive rebates from both utilities when adding attic insulation, repairing leaking ducts and for improvements such as installing weather stripping around entry doors. Rebates from the two utilities together pay up to half the cost of those energy efficiency improvements. Federal tax credits are also available on many of these measures.

Visit www.austinenergy.com for information on rebates and zero percent home efficiency loans.