Heat wave keeps utilities busy, but usage records unbroken

The hot weather means that power companies have been working a little harder to keep air conditioners humming and fans turning.  

But demand for power has not hit a record peak during the hot spell that’s expected to end Wednesday.

Crews have seen increased demand, but they can handle it, said Liz Williamson of PECO.

 

“On Monday, our customers used about 8,057 megawatts of electricity that was well below the record of 8,984 megawatts set on July 22, 2011,” she said.

The same is true in New Jersey for PSE&G, according to spokeswoman Brooke Houston, who said solar power doesn’t really help that much.

“It does definitely contribute, but when we are talking about really high usage like this, it’s just a part of what we are providing to our customers,” she said.

Representatives of both utilities are cautioning people to remember to turn back the thermostat when no one is at home … it lessens demand and can save you money.