Jul 31, 2002 By James Pletcher Jr. 2 min read

A major area utility is reminding area residents that conserving electricity has multiple benefits. “We have had no peak usage days so far, although Monday was an above-average usage day,’ Guy Fletcher, a spokesman for Allegheny Power said on Tuesday.

In line with the demand, PJM Interconnection, the electricity grid operator for more than 25 million people in this region, and Allegheny Power expect customers’ demands for electricity to be higher than normal as a result of the recent extremely hot weather.

While PJM expects to have adequate electricity to meet the heavy demand for power, Allegheny Power is reminding customers that it is always a good idea to use energy wisely, Fletcher said.

Some conservation tips for electricity consumers include:

? Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside your home.

? Postpone using major electric appliances like stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers under the cooler evening hours.

? Turn off all non-essential electric appliances and equipment.

PJM and Allegheny Power will continue to monitor conditions and request the public’s assistance if necessary.

Fletcher said lower than predicted temperatures and a weather forecast that includes a slight cooling trend through the balance of this week will also go a long way at dampening demand for electricity.

“Today, (Tuesday) the temperature has been a little cooler than expected. I don’t think we had anything in our territory above 90 degrees. Mother Nature has been cooperating nicely and I’m sure our customers have been, too,’ he said.

“We may have seen the worst of the hot weather for this week,’ he added.

Temperatures climbed above 90 degrees in this area on Monday. Fletcher said he did not know the kilowatt hours of electricity used but that the demand was more than normal.

Fletcher also explained PJM Interconnection is “like a traffic cop making sure everything is in the right place.

“We are a member of the power pool. We and other utilities belong to it. PJM operates the grid for the entire region. If one part of the grid needs electricity and another part of the grid has more than it needs, PJM moves it around,’ he said.

But, Fletcher said, even with an abundant supply, “Conservation is a good idea at any time.’