PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With triple-digit temperatures forecasted for the next several days, PECO is prepared to meet the electric needs of our customers and respond if any situations do occur. Today’s customer energy use could reach between 8,800 and 8,900 megawatts (mw), placing the day within the top five peak load days in PECO’s history. PECO’s all-time peak load of 8,932 mw was reached on August 3, 2006.
PECO is working closely with PJM Interconnection, the power grid operator for our area, and also has extra crews on-hand to respond to any situations that may occur.
Customers can manage the impact high temperatures have on their monthly electric bills by:
- Keeping curtains, blinds and shades closed to keep the sun’s radiant heat out of the indoors. About 40 percent of unwanted heat comes through the windows. Drawing the blinds and curtains acts as a layer of insulation.
- Turning off all unnecessary lighting and unplug appliances not being used.
- Raising the thermostat setting on your central air conditioning by four of five degrees. Keep the thermostat setting at a constant comfortable level throughout the day and raise it slightly higher when away from home.
- Using fans to circulate cool air. Attic fans, ceiling fans and portable fans make it easier for the air conditioner to provide the desired comfortable temperature.
- Avoiding the use of appliances that generate more heat and humidity. Use the microwave or outdoor grill rather than the kitchen oven and stove, if possible. Run the washer, clothes dryer and dishwasher in the early morning or late evening hours when it’s generally milder.
PECO also reminds customers to think “safety” during the hot weather. Those without air conditioning are encouraged to visit a public library, shopping mall, movie theater or other site where condition would be more comfortable. It may also be a good idea to check on elderly neighbors and relatives.
Based in Philadelphia, PECO is an electric and natural gas utility subsidiary of Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC). PECO serves 1.6 million electric and 490,000 natural gas customers in southeastern Pennsylvania and employs about 2,400 people in the region. PECO delivered 87.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas and 39.5 billion kilowatt-hours-hours of electricity in 2010. Founded in 1881, PECO is one of the Greater Philadelphia Region's most active corporate citizens, providing leadership, volunteer and financial support to numerous arts and culture, education, environmental, economic development and community programs and organizations.
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