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UPPCO Customers Use Record Levels of Electricity


WEBWIRE

Hot, humid weather over much of the region pushed customers of Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) to use more electricity. At 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 1, total system peak electric demand reached 207.6 megawatts. Last summer, UPPCO reached a peak demand of 182.5 megawatts on July 17.

Historically, UPPCO has been a winter-peaking utility, but the summer peaks have now surpassed winter peaks.

UPPCO cautions that customers should be very careful in the heat, especially infants and the elderly.

When the temperature reaches 90º F. and humidity is high, the dangers of heat stress are also very high. A high body temperature (hyperthermia) can develop rapidly in extremely hot environments. Children and pets left in cars and people who work in small, poorly ventilated spaces - such as attics or boiler rooms - may quickly become hyperthermic, according to WebMD.com.

There are a number of ways to keep cool and avoid overheating in hot weather. Here are some tips from the American Red Cross:

* Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must be active, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m.

* Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sun. Or move to a safe air-conditioned place. Electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.

* Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect some of the sun’s energy.

* Drink plenty of water regularly and often – even if you don’t feel thirsty. Your body needs water to keep cool.

* Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can actually dehydrate the body.

* Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.

* Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

* If you’re on medication, contact your doctor to discuss your particular condition and the effect the heat may have on your medications. DO NOT STOP TAKING MEDICATION WITHOUT YOUR DOCTOR’S APPROVAL.



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