Progress Energy, Duke customers set new winter demand records
Utility customers for Progress Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Carolinas on Monday set records for peak electricity demand in winter.
Posted — UpdatedWith temperatures across the region in the teens and single digits, customers of Raleigh-based Progress Energy used 12,504 megawatt-hours of electricity between 7 and 8 a.m., officials said.
The previous winter record was 12,142 megawatt-hours on the morning of Feb. 6, 2007. The all-time peak-demand record was set on Aug. 9, 2007, at 12,656 megawatt-hours.
Duke Energy Carolinas customers used 17,282 megawatt-hours during the same time period, officials said, topping the previous record of 16,968 megawatt-hours last Feb. 5.
"We're working 24 hours a day to ensure that our customers have the power they need through this significant cold weather," Lloyd Yates, chief executive and president of Progress Energy Carolinas, said in a statement. "We do not expect problems in meeting our customers' demand for electricity, but we encourage customers to learn more about how they can use energy wisely and efficiently – not only on frigid mornings but every day."
Utility offered the following tips for cold-weather energy conservation:
- Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comfortable setting. If you are going to be away for several days, turn the thermostat to a lower setting, but not to "Off." A sudden frigid snap could cause your pipes to freeze and burst.
- Check filters at least monthly and clean or change them as needed. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent and can damage equipment.
- Caulk any space around windows and other places where air leaks to prevent cold drafts and heat escape.
- Use exhaust fans sparingly in winter. Heat and moisture from bathing and cooking contribute heat to your home. But don't use the oven to heat a room.
- If your home has a fireplace, be sure the damper fits tightly, and close it when the fireplace is not in use. Add a glass fireplace screen.
- Cover bare floors. Carpeting adds to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.
- Use ceiling fans in winter to distribute heat around the room. Reverse the direction of the fan blades from that used for summer cooling.
- Use insulated or heavy curtains on windows facing the north side of the house. Keep curtains and shades closed at night and on cloudy days.
- For heat pump users, set the thermostat to a constant setting and leave it there, and make sure drapes and furniture are not blocking air registers or returns.
- Keep the oven, the refrigerator and other appliances clean. Clean equipment runs more efficiently.
- Use microwave ovens whenever possible. They use less than half the power of a conventional oven.
- Whenever possible, wash full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washing machine, rather than partial loads.
- Take short showers instead of tub baths and install a flow restrictor or energy-saving shower head.
- Look for EnergyGuide labels on most major home appliances. The more efficient models save you money in the long run.
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