SMUD: Heat wave may drive energy use to new record

Continued triple-digit heat in Sacramento is expected to drive energy use to a new record Wednesday, according to the Sacramento Municipal Utility District.

 

Energy consumption is expected to reach 2,850 megawatts, surpassing the old record of 2,809 megawatts set on July 22, 2003.

Despite the heat wave and high energy usage, SMUD says it has secured enough power to meet customer demand without having to call on volunteer energy-reduction programs. The utility expects to be able to meet demand for the remainder of the heat spell, forecast to last at least through the weekend.