GRU Asks Customers to Conserve Electricity Use
Extreme temperatures produce record winter peak demand
January 11, 2010
For the second time in less than a week, GRU customers have generated a record instantaneous winter peak demand for electricity. The new record of 468 megawatts, which occurred at 7:23 a.m. Monday morning, has prompted the utility to ask customers to watch their electricity use.
GRU customers are using about 65 to 70 percent more electricity than usual. A prolonged stretch of below-freezing temperatures is driving record-high electricity use across the state. The Florida Reliability Coordinating Council, which oversees the state’s electricity supply and system reliability, has issued a generating capacity advisory for this area through midnight tonight.
“We want to ensure an uninterrupted flow of electricity to all customers,” GRU General Manager Bob Hunzinger said. “We ask our customers to be diligent in conserving energy to reduce system demand and to keep their electric bills lower.”
GRU asks customers to lower thermostat settings by 5 to 10 degrees, turn off all unnecessary lights, minimize the use of major appliances, reduce the use of sprinkler and pool pumps, and close curtains and blinds to help insulate homes and buildings against heat loss. The utility asks customers to pay particular attention to electricity use during times right before and after work, when demand is typically at its peak. If customers are dependent on electric powered, life-sustaining medical equipment, check backup facilities.
“Temperatures are forecasted to warm by midweek, and we expect power demand to return to normal ranges,” Hunzinger said. “We appreciate our customers’ patience and assistance during this unusual time.”
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