Power grid operators call for conservation
The people who manage the distribution of electrical power from Northern New Jersey to Washington, D.C. called on consumers Wednesday to conserve electricity as the record-breaking heat wave continued to push power demands higher.
The PJM Interconnection said conservation measures are expecially needed between the hours of 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. when the demand for power to run air conditioners and fans typically peaks.
Tuesday's record heat prompted PJM to issue a voltage reduction warning, which advised transmission line managers to prepare for voltage reductions, or "brown-outs," in the mid-Atlantic region.
The warning was later cancelled as power demand dropped, and no voltage cuts were ordered.
Power demand across the PJM grid peaked Tuesday at 136,398 megawatts, the third-highest peak on record for the grid. It also exceeded the forecast high for this summer. Wednesday's demand was forecast to reach 137,783 by 4 p.m.
Consumers were urged to close curtains and blinds to keep the sun out and cool air in; delay the use of heat-generating appliances, suich as dryers and dishwashers until after 9 p.m.; set air conditioner thermostats higher if health permits; and turn off appliances and other equipment if they're not needed.
(SUN PHOTO: Doug Kapustin, 2006)
Comments
Hi,
This goes out to all you guys who are complaining your house is 75 degrees and too hot.
Without power its gonna get hawt hon.
Fran In Baltimore
Posted by: F Smith | July 7, 2010 2:04 PM
Unplugging things like coffee pots, power strips, and anything else that has little lights or clocks on it is a great way to save energy, and something I do all the time.
Also lights put out a whole lot of heat. Keep things dark and you'll feel cooler, and save energy too!
Posted by: David | July 7, 2010 2:05 PM
I think it would be helpful if you did a story on what is happening with power supply. Yesterday, my home was "cycled" in mid-afternoon. I have a smart meter, and I really did not understand the program until yesterday when this happened. Now I do. Lots of folks at the office were just as confused as I was - thought the A/C had gone on the blink. Also, our office has shut off the A/C this afternoon. We will deal with it as long as we can. We are part of a group of businesses who have volunteered to conserve during extreme conditions - and I say we've met that criteria. So please let everyone know that much is being done. No one is comfortable, but at least we're better off than no power at all. It may have to be this way until we get more wind and solar. Thanks.
Posted by: P.Clements | July 7, 2010 2:49 PM
Great scott! That's almost 1.21 gigawatts!
Posted by: bryaninhillvalley | July 7, 2010 3:33 PM
@ P.Clements,
There isn't any problem with the power grid. Its simply cheaper to pay consumers and businesses to reduce their usage then to build new power plants that will run for only a few hours of peak demand each year. These so called "peaker plants" use diesel or natural gas, not the "wind and solar" you alluded to.
Posted by: Bill Pike | July 7, 2010 5:37 PM