Atlantic City Electric Cuts Voltage, Asks Patrons to Conserve

ATLANTIC CITY — Atlantic City Electric today cut voltage by 5 percent and asked customers to conserve energy wherever possible as extremely high temperatures are expected to push demand for electricity to near record levels across the entire Mid-Atlantic region.
Because of exceptionally heavy demand for electricity in the mid-Atlantic region, Atlantic City Electric and other utilities in the regional PJM Power Pool reduced system voltage by 5 percent this afternoon.
PJM and Atlantic City Electric urgently request that customers cut back virtually all their non-essential electricity use, including air conditioners, unless it is equipment required for health and safety purposes. PJM companies request this action to help prevent more serious problems with power supply and delivery.
Today’s energy emergency is due to extremely hot weather and high customer demand that is challenging the PJM companies’ ability to deliver electricity.
The voltage reduction will not be noticeable to the vast majority of customers, because most computers, motorized equipment and appliances can generally operate satisfactorily at lower voltages. Once operating conditions on the PJM system return to normal, the voltage reduction will be lifted.
The PJM power pool serves 13 states and the District of Columbia.
A volt is a unit of electrical pressure that pushes electrons along a conductor. This is similar to the pressure that pushes water through a pipe. Most motors and other appliances are designed to tolerate a voltage variation of plus or minus 10 percent.
Atlantic City Electric and PJM, the regional power grid operator for 13 states including Maryland and the District of Columbia, said voluntary conservation measures are needed to meet the peak demand for power, especially between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.
“Right now, we are tracking below the record day, Aug. 3, 2006 when the demand for electricity reached 3,009 megawatts,” stated Betty Kennedy, utility spokesperson.
“It does not look like we will break that record today,” she added.
Prudent use of electricity could help maintain the reliability of the interstate transmission system and prevent the need for additional, more stringent energy-saving measures, according to a release.
Atlantic City Electric offers the following conservation tips for electricity consumers:
Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside,
Postpone using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until the cooler evening hours,
If health permits, set your air conditioner thermostat at 78 degrees and use fans if available to aid cooling,
Turn off non-essential electric appliances and equipment.
Atlantic City Electric will continue to monitor conditions and request the public’s assistance as necessary.