Continued Heat and Humidity Sets New Energy Use Record

As heat and humidity continued to affect the region, customers of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. set a new 24-hour usage record on Tuesday, July 18, when 23,628 megawatt-hours (MWh) were delivered, surpassing the previous 24-hour record of 23,072 megawatt-hours set on August 4, 2005.

As cooler weather moved into the area later on Tuesday and dampened demand for energy, customer peak-hour use of 1,208 megawatts (MW), while surpassing the peak energy use record set last year, did not surpass the new all-time record set the previous day, Monday, July 17, of 1,210 MW.

“As heat and humidity continue, customers are reminded that they can manage their energy use by keeping windows and doors closed while running air conditioning and setting thermostats to 78 degrees or higher,” said Carl E. Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer of Central Hudson. “This is the second energy use record set by our customers this summer, surpassing several established last summer. As the demand for electricity grows, customers can take steps to conserve energy, especially on the hottest days.”

Other ways customers can save energy include:

• Turning off lights, appliances, televisions, computers and other electric devices when not in use;
• Using large appliances, such as dishwashers and dryers, during the evening hours, when overall energy use is less;
• Closing curtains, shades and blinds during the day to seal out the heat and block sunlight when temperatures are at their highest; and
• Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible, and limiting the time they are opened.

Customers may also visit Central Hudson's website to learn more about energy conservation. Log onto www.CentralHudson.com, and click on “Energy Conservation."

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