September 26 , 2005 Company News

Austin Energy Sees Record Electric Usage

Electric demand on the Austin energy system hit a new all-time record peak today of approximately 2,445MW. This means for about an hour, the demand for electricity on the Austin Energy system was greater than it has ever been in the 110-year history of the utility. One megawatt (MW) can power approximately 750 homes. The peak occurred at about 4:40 pm.

The previous peak record was 2,383 MW. It was set on September 5, 2000 on a day when temperatures in Austin reached 112 degrees.

Austin Energy has 2,840 MW of generation. In addition, there is about a 17% reserve of generation in Texas which means there is sufficient generation to meet demand during this heat wave.

Saving Energy During this Heat Wave

To reduce your air conditioning needs, do everything possible to reduce heat being generated in the home:

• Keep lights turned off. The standard light bulb gives off 90% heat and 10% light.
• Block out sunlight. Close shades and curtains. Sunlight coming into the home will make your AC run much more.
• Try to reduce the number of times outside doors are opened and closed.
• Cook meals and dry clothes in the morning if possible, before it gets hot.
• If you leave your home for 4 hours or more, turn your AC off. Cooling your home when you return will use less energy than on-and-off cycling all day long.

Austin Energy All-Time System Peak

Sep 26, 2005 2,445 MW
Sep 6, 2000 2,383 MW
Aug 27, 1999 2,132 MW
Aug 3, 1998 2,070 MW
Aug 20, 1997 1,870 MW
Jun 20, 1996 1,815 MW
Jul 28, 1995 1,766 MW

-end-

For more information, contact Ed Clark, Public Information.
Phone: (512) 322-6514
Pager: (512) 802-2000