July 17, 2006 News Media Release

Austin Energy Sets New July Record

Austin Energy set a new all-time peak demand record today for a day in July. The new July record was approximately 2,377 MW set between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. This is the fourth month in a row that Austin has set a new record for an individual month. New monthly peak records were also set in April, May and June.

The previous record for July of 2,316 MW was set last year. The difference between the old record and the new is electricity sufficient to power approximately 45,000 homes. Austin Energy has 2,900 MW of total generation.

The key to a lower energy bill during summer is an energy efficient home. Avoid generating heat in the home, which makes the AC run more.

• Turn off lights. Standard light bulbs give off 90% heat and 10% light.
• Fluorescent lights give off 90% light and 10% heat
• Close curtains/blinds to block out direct sunlight, which will warm up rooms
• A microwave generates less heat outward than an electric stove
• Reduce traffic through outside doors

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