Grid operator: Cut electricity use during heat waveJul 16 - McClatchy-Tribune Regional News - Tux Turkel Portland Press Herald, Maine
As Maine and New England bake, the region's power grid operator is asking residents to voluntarily cut back on electricity use. ISO New England said late Tuesday morning that the combination of hot temperatures and high humidity levels that are expected all week could drive power use in the region to near-record levels. Generation supplies are adequate now, the systems operator said, but they are likely to become tight as the heat wave persists. Voluntary conservation will help keep supply and demand in balance and maintain reliable service, it said. The Portland Fire Department, meanwhile, issued a news release Tuesday calling for residents to take precautions against heat illness, including by staying in air-conditioned buildings. The temperature in Portland at noon on Tuesday was 89 degrees. A spokesman for Central Maine Power Co. said it was not taking any special action and was following the ISO's directions. The ISO is targeting its request from noon to 8 p.m., when demand for power is greatest. It suggests these measures, when they don't interfere with health or safety: -- Raise air conditioning temperatures to between 74 and 78 degrees. -- Turn off air conditioners when leaving home for an extended period. -- Turn off unneeded lights, appliances and office equipment. -- Wait until early morning or late evening to do laundry, or other chores that use a lot of electricity. In a note to businesses that use a lot of power, the ISO said that it's not currently asking for formal conservations measures, such as switching off machines or motors. But it says that the forecast for electric load from Tuesday through Thursday shows a potential for not enough capacity. The ISO is projecting power demand to grow through the week, peaking at 27,800 megawatts on Thursday. Today's forecast is for 27,500 megawatts, while the forecast for Wednesday is 27,700. New England's record electricity usage took place on, 2006, with a peak of 28,130 megawatts. A megawatt of electricity can power roughly 1,000 homes in New England. The Portland Fire Department is asking the public to take precautions because of the heat and to look out for the elderly and others who may be vulnerable to heat related illnesses. Precautions recommended by the department include drinking liquids that don't include alcohol, caffeine or sugar and stay in air conditioned buildings, either at home or a shopping mall, library or other facility. Never leave children, infants or pets in cars any length of time in any vehicle, even if the windows are cracked, according to the release. Groups most vulnerable to the heat include the elderly, young children, the obese, those with pre-existing medical conditions such as cardiac or pulmonary issues, and those who take medications such as anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs that may increase the effects of sun and heat exposure. Here are the warning signs of heat related illness: -- Heat cramps -- painful muscle spasms, usually felt in the abdomen and legs. -- Heat exhaustion -- cold, clammy skin, headache, nausea and dizziness. -- Heat stroke -- red, dry skin, lack of sweating, rapid but weak pulse, confusion, and rapid but shallow breathing. To treat heat illnesses, move to a cool place, drink plenty of fluids, rest, loosen any tight clothing and cool off with water or wet cloths. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and 911 should be called immediately. http://www.energycentral.com/functional/news/news_detail.cfm?did=29313536 |