PPL Asks Customers to Conserve Energy

Excessive Heat Could Increase Demand in Region

PPL Electric Utilities is urging customers to conserve energy as excessive heat throughout the mid-Atlantic region pushes demand for electricity to near record levels.

“We urge customers to do what they can to use electricity wisely during this period of extreme heat,” said David G. DeCampli, president of PPL Electric Utilities. “In addition to helping to ensure that we have adequate supplies today, by reducing our consumption on a day like this we can all help to alleviate increases in the average market prices for electricity in our region and to ensure that power is there when we need it.”

At the request of the PJM Interconnection, the regional power pool, PPL Electric Utilities reduced voltage on its electricity distribution network Wednesday (8/8) to protect power reserves.

A voltage reduction has few noticeable, and no lasting, effects on the operation of electrical devices. It slightly reduces energy consumption by appliances without affecting their operation. It will not damage electrical equipment.

PPL, like other energy companies throughout the regional power pool, is urging the wise use of electricity by customers.

“Our primary concern on days like today is the health and safety of our customers,” DeCampli said. “There are ways customers can conserve energy while still using the electricity they need to prevent heat-related problems.”

A few simple ways customers can conserve energy include the following:

* Shift the use of major appliances such as clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers to early morning or evening hours when demand for electricity is lower.
* Block out daytime sun with drapes and shades to help keep the home cool.
* Turn off televisions, computers and other appliances when not in use. These appliances give off heat in the home.
* Use ceiling fans to create a wind-chill effect in occupied rooms. The breeze can keep you just as comfortable at temperatures 4 to 6 degrees warmer.
* Set air-conditioner thermostats a few degrees higher, if health permits.
* Use bathroom exhaust fans only as long as necessary to avoid sucking cool air out of your home.

PPL Electric Utilities customers can learn more about their energy use by visiting the Energy Analyzer at www.pplelectric.com.

The Energy Analyzer is a powerful tool to help customers understand their energy use and learn ways to save electricity and money, DeCampli said.

“It’s during periods of high demand that the money we invest to maintain and improve our electric delivery system really pays off,” he said.

At the request of PJM to support conservation efforts, PPL requested that several industrial customers curtail their power use Wednesday afternoon. These customers have a contract with PPL Electric Utilities that allows such interruptions during periods of extremely high usage in exchange for a special rate all year long.

PPL plans to invest $1.4 billion in the next five years to expand and maintain the electrical system and to improve even further its ability to provide safe and reliable service, DeCampli said.