LAKELAND, FL (January 10, 2010) At approximately 8:30 a.m. this morning Lakeland Electric set a new record for electric usage at 808 MW breaking the record set on January 7th at 779 MW. Jim Stanfield, General Manager for Lakeland Electric said, “This extended cold snap is really causing demand for all Florida utilities and systems are peaking with these cooler temperatures.” He added, “Utilities could experience record setting peak loads especially with the cooler weather forecasted over the next few days.”
Lakeland Electric is asking customers to conserve if at all possible because with the extended cool temperatures and increasing demand, there is always concern on overloading the system. Stanfield said, “Our distribution system is fine and our focus is on reliable power. We are not expecting a shortage of energy but conservation will assist in not having any system issues.”
Lakeland Electric customers are encouraged to lower energy demand during peak times by turning off and unplugging all non-essential appliances, adjusting thermostats slightly and avoiding washing and drying clothes between 6 a.m. – 9 a.m. for the next two mornings.