Power Grid Operator Expects Record Power Demand As Temperature Soars

BALTIMORE - - With temperatures predicted to rise above 100 degrees this week, power officials are calling on consumers to conserve electricity.

Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. said its customers should consider using stoves, dishwashers and dryers during the evening, when demand for electricity is lower and close blinds or curtains to keep cooler air inside the house. In addition, customers should turn off "non-essential" electric appliances, BGE said.

BGE said it has not yet broken its all-time usage record of 7,045 megawatts, which was set on July 26, 2005.

And the agency that operates the power system for the mid-Atlantic, Valley Forge, Pa.-based PJM Interconnection, said it expects to have enough electricity.

But PJM, which operates the grid for 13 states and Washington, D.C., also said it expects to reach an all-time record for power demand Tuesday. It said conservation was necessary to provide a "cushion" to ensure sufficient electricity supplies. PJM set a new record for electricity usage on July 17, when demand hit 139,746 megawatts.

BGE said that if demand for power rises too high, it would activate its "energy saver" program, which allows the company to turn off residents' air conditioners and electric water heaters for 15-minute time periods. BGE says 225,000 customers participate in that program, which gives them a discount on their power bills.

Officials across Maryland issued heat alerts Tuesday. The National Weather Service posted an "excessive heat warning" for most of the state through Thursday evening.

Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens decided Tuesday to make her jurisdiction's 17 libraries available as cooling centers for people without air conditioning or a means to stay cool. Five senior centers are also available for people to beat the heat, Owens said in a statement.

The Baltimore Health Department opened 10 cooling centers Monday.

"I urge all residents to take this situation with the excessive heat seriously," Owens added. "This is the time to check on your neighbors, including the very young and elderly, and if they are without air conditioning, get them to a place that's cool."