The Heat is On, But Turn Down the Air, City Says

Ames Electric Services is in danger of reaching another record energy peak today due to high temperatures and humidity, according to the City of Ames.

Predicted energy use at the municipally-owned utility could create record demand through 8 p.m., a release from the city said.

Electric consumption on Monday reached 128.55 Megawatts or 128,550 kilowatts. Peak demand is a measure of the most energy consumed by customers at the same time.

Yesterday's peak consumption came close to the previous record set on July 19, at 128.6 megawatts.

Whenever a new peak demand of electricity is reached, it increases the amount of electrical capacity the plant needs. City of Ames Electric Services is required to furnish 106 percent of its historic peak demand by using its own generating plant and/or buying electricity. 

“By decreasing electric consumption, we delay the need to build additional generation, which saves all Ames ratepayers higher future costs,” Donald Kom, Ames Electric Services Director, said in the release.

To reduce electric consumption during a peak alert the city recommends:

• Turning off unnecessary electrical devices.
• Closing drapes to block out the heating rays of the sun.
• Washing dishes and clothes in the early morning or later evening.
• Turning thermostats up 3 to 5 degrees and using fans.
• Closing air registers and doors in rooms not being used.
• Avoid using the oven during the afternoon and early evening.

For more information on “peak alert,” along with tips to help reduce energy demand, visit www.cityofames.org and click on the power watch gauge.