PECO's Electrical Network Holding Up During Heatwaves
By Mark Abrams
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - The string of heat waves to hit the region this summer are pushing up demand for power. But, so far, they haven't put a strain on the electrical network.
PECO's Liz Williamson says power usage has been up, but the power distribution system has been holding its own and it doesn't look like record demand is in the forecast. She says last year, PECO customers set a summer peak record.
"July 22 of 2011, we had a customer demand of 8,983 megwatts. Now, despite the numerous heat waves that we have seen so far this summer, we have not approached that type of record usage."
Williamson says that doesn't mean customers shouldn't use electricity wisely. She says conservation efforts help on hot days, especially when demand is up to power air conditioners and fans.
She says the PJM Interconnection, the regional power grid, also is taking steps to ensure an adequate supply of electricity is produced for millions of people across the Mid-Atlantic region, including Philadelphia.
