JACKSON, Mich., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Consumers Energy is
asking its 1.8 million electric customers to reduce their power use until
the end of the heat wave now affecting Michigan and the rest of the
Midwest.
The high temperatures and steamy humidity pushed the customer demand
for electricity to record levels across the region, including on Consumers
Energy's system.
Customer demand for power on the utility's system reached an all-time
record high of 8,790 megawatts from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. today. That eclipsed
the previous record of 8,474 megawatts set on Aug. 3, 2005.
The heat wave and heavy air conditioning demand is expected to continue
in Michigan until Thursday, when cooler temperatures are forecast to
arrive.
Until then, Consumers Energy is asking its electric customers to reduce
their power use to help maintain the stability of the electric system.
Consumers Energy asks customers to take the following steps:
* Raise the temperature setting on air conditioning thermostats by several
degrees. A setting of 78 degrees provides comfort and energy
efficiency.
* Use the clothes washer, clothes dryer, dishwasher, electric oven, and
any other high-consumption electric appliances early in the morning or
after 8 p.m.
* Open the refrigerator or freezer as little as possible.
* Turn off all unnecessary lights and non-essential appliances during the
day.
* Close off air ducts to rooms which are not used. Close window curtains
and drapes to reduce solar heating.
* If you have a well pump, don't water lawns.
Additional tips on reducing electricity use are available at a "Beat
the Heat" banner on the Consumers Energy's website:
http://www.consumersenergy.com.
Consumers Energy, the principal subsidiary of CMS Energy, provides
natural gas and electricity to nearly 6.5 million of Michigan's 10 million
residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties.
SOURCE Consumers Energy
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Related links:
http://www.consumersenergy.com/
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/203850.html/
CONTACT:
Jeff Holyfield, +1-517-788-2394, Dan Bishop,
+1-517-788-2395, or Terry DeDoes, +1-517-374-2159, all of
Consumers Energy
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