Progress Energy Florida Customers Set Second Peak Record This Week
Posted on: Thursday, 7 July 2005, 12:00 CDT
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., July 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Customers of Progress Energy Florida set a record for summer electricity usage on Wednesday, July 6, eclipsing the previous day's peak demand record by one megawatt-hour.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20020923/CHM008LOGO-c )
"With ample capacity, Progress Energy does not anticipate problems meeting the high customer demand," said Preston Pierce, manager of power system operations for Progress Energy Florida.
On Wednesday, July 6, between 4 and 5 p.m., customers used approximately 8,992 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity, edging Tuesday's record of 8,991 MWh. The previous record summer peak, 8,519 MWh, was set June 24, 2004.
The company generates power at 14 sites in Florida, using nuclear fuel, coal, natural gas and fuel oil. Progress Energy will complete its third natural gas-fired generating unit at the Hines Energy Complex in Polk County later this year, and will soon begin construction on a fourth unit to be on line in 2007. Each of the new units will add approximately 500 megawatts of generation capacity, or enough to supply electricity to about 320,000 homes and businesses.
The largest peaks in energy use on Progress Energy Florida's system normally occur during the winter. Progress Energy Florida's all-time system peak of 10,131 MWh was set Jan. 24, 2003.
Progress Energy recommends the following tips to save money on energy bills:
* Set your thermostat on the highest comfortable setting. You'll save 7 to 10 percent on your cooling costs for each degree above 78. * Change air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent. * Use ceiling and portable fans to keep air moving. Fans only use about as much energy as a light bulb. * Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the sun's rays from heating your house. * Because humid air holds more heat, take lukewarm showers and baths and run the bathroom exhaust fan to reduce humidity in your home. * When possible, use your microwave or countertop appliances for cooking instead of the oven or stove.
Residents can also take advantage of Progress Energy programs designed to help customers control electricity use. Some of these programs include:
Budget Billing: Customers on fixed incomes or others who need a bill that is a consistent amount are encouraged to take advantage of Budget Billing. The program is free and helps customers forecast monthly energy costs and better plan their finances. Customers pay an average amount that is approximately the same each month. The difference between the budget billing amount and the actual amount also appears on the bill.
Home Energy Check: A free home energy inspection can be conducted for customers by a Progress Energy representative. The representative will survey the home's insulation, duct work, water heating, cooling and heating systems and overall efficiency. Then the customer is provided with energy-saving recommendations and practices and other cost-effective, energy-saving measures.
For more information about these programs, customers should visit http://www.progress-energy.com/ or call 1-800-700-8744.
Progress Energy Florida, a subsidiary of Progress Energy , provides electricity and related services to more than 1.5 million customers in Florida. The company is headquartered in St. Petersburg, Fla., and serves a territory encompassing over 20,000 square miles including the cities of St. Petersburg, Clearwater, as well as the Central Florida area surrounding Orlando. For more information about Florida Power, visit the company's Web site at: http://www.progress-energy.com/.
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Progress Energy, Inc.
CONTACT: 24-hour media line for Progress Energy, Inc.,+1-866-520-NEWS (6397)
Web site: http://www.progress-energy.com/
Source: PRNewswire
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