FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Contact Cindy L. Holman, General Manager, 405/340-5047
OMPA Member Cities Set New Peak
On August 2nd at 5pm, the Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) set a new system-wide peak of 685 megawatts. OMPA serves 37 municipal electric systems in Oklahoma. The highest system-wide peak recorded previously was 676.9 megawatts on July 13, 2009.
“All OMPA resources were available to meet this demand. The electricity “peak” occurs at the times when electricity use in the communities we serve is the highest for a given hour,” stated David W. Osburn, OMPA Assistant General Manager.
On summer weekdays, peak periods are normally between 3 and 8 pm when additional energy resources are required. Each home uses more energy now than in the past. Air conditioners are much more common than they were then and new devices that consume energy, such as computers and plasma TVs, are often in several rooms in the home.
OMPA offers the following tips on ways customers can help reduce peak load on hot days and lower their electric utility costs:
* Run major appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine early in the morning or late at night.
* Adjust your dishwasher so the dishes dry without heat.
* Set your thermostat to 78° or higher, and use a fan to circulate the cool air. Cooling costs are typically 60 percent of your total utility bill. For every degree you set the thermostat below 78°, you use two to five percent more electricity.
* Turn off ceiling fans when rooms are unoccupied.
* Avoid using the stove or oven on hot days. Instead, use the microwave, grill outdoors or throw together a cold summer meal.
* Add insulation to your home. It’s the most efficient way to control the amount of energy you need to keep your home cool.
* Apply weather-stripping or caulking around doors and windows so cool air can’t leak outdoors.
* Clear outdoor air conditioning units and heat pumps of debris and shrubbery so they can work more efficiently.
* Change or clean your air conditioners filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty filters reduce efficiency by restricting airflow. Changing or cleaning your filter monthly can yield an additional 10 to 20 percent saving in cooling costs.
* Close drapes or blinds during the day to keep heat-producing sunlight out.
* Close the damper on your fireplace.
* Unplug unnecessary electric appliances and equipment.
* Keep exterior doors closed as much as possible.
* Turn off unnecessary lights and switch off unwatched televisions.
* Dial down the electric water heater to no more than a 130° setting.
The Oklahoma Municipal Power Authority (OMPA) is an agency of the State of Oklahoma that currently serves 37 municipal electric systems in Oklahoma.
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