Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Heat wave!: New Jersey urged to conserve power
Out soon-to-be acquired public utility, Newark's PSE&G, is watching the peak load this afternoon and almost begging people to turn the lights off. Weather.com reports that Princeton is 95 degrees at 4:55 pm ("feels like 103"), so you know that we're all sucking down power like there's no tomorrow:
Here are PSE&G's helpful suggestions, which probably make sense in the ordinary course:
We'll try not to use more than four computers at the same time, which is asking a lot of our family.
Extreme heat and humidity pushed the demand for power in PSE&G's territory to a new high of 10,416 megawatts yesterday. The previous record was set on August 14, 2002.
The demand for electricity is extremely high today as well, as residents run their air conditioners at full blast in an effort to stay cool. While it has not yet peaked, PSE&G officials predict today's demand will be similar to yesterdays' - and might even top it.
Adequate supplies of electricity are available. PJM is taking precautionary measures to ensure the reliability of the transmission system. Customers are asked to conserve electricity, if health permits, especially between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. where it typically peaks.
Here are PSE&G's helpful suggestions, which probably make sense in the ordinary course:
-- Turn off everything you're not using; lights, TVs, computers, etc. Use dimmers, timers and motion detectors on indoor and outdoor lighting.
-- Close blinds, shades and draperies facing the sun to keep the sun's heat out and help fans and air conditioners cool more efficiently.
-- Close doors leading to uncooled parts of your home. With central air, close off vents to unused rooms.
-- Delay heat-producing tasks such as washing and drying laundry or dishes until later in the day, and wait until load is full.
-- Refrain from using nonessential appliances. Unplug or use only when necessary an extra refrigerator in your garage.
We'll try not to use more than four computers at the same time, which is asking a lot of our family.
1 Comments:
By 
, at
Thu Jul 28, 12:43:00 AM:
Odd that they'd advise using dimmers: they use no less electricity than lights on full
