[Press Release] : Conservation encouraged to control electric costs

[pr-l at news.gocolumbiamo.com]

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2006

CONTACT: Connie Kacprowicz
Communications Specialist
or
Dan Dasho
Director of Water and Light
(573) 874-7325

Conservation encouraged to control electric
costs					

	(COLUMBIA, MO) - Continued hot weather set a new electric system
peak of 266 megawatts in Columbia on Wednesday, July 19. In order to
control power costs, Columbia Water and Light is urging customers to
reduce their electric consumption during the afternoon and early evening
hours. 
	In addition to asking for conservation measures, Columbia Water
and Light has several programs in place to control peak loads. On
Tuesday, July 18, residential load management switches were activated
and on Wednesday large industrial customers who participate in the Load
Shedding program were asked to curtail their electric use in the
afternoon. Both of these programs substantially reduce Columbia’s peak
electric demand. Today, the utility plans on using both programs to keep
electric loads in check.
	Columbia Water and Light has posted daily electric and water
usage on the city’s Web site at www.GoColumbiaMo.com. Customer demand,
along with tips for helping control high summer usage, is included on
the Web page. In 2005, the Columbia peak electric load was 254
megawatts. The goal of Columbia Water and Light is to stay in the range
of 265 megawatts this summer to keep power costs and future capacity
requirements at a minimum. 
	Columbians can help reduce peak electric loads by following
these simple tips:
*	Maintain heating and cooling systems by replacing air filters at
least four times a year. 
*	Set the thermostat no lower than 78 degrees and turn it up a few
degrees when the house is unoccupied. 
*	Leave window shades that receive direct sunlight down during the
day. 
*	Try to use the oven, dishwasher and other appliances that
produce heat during the late evening and early morning. 
*	Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. 
*	Keep fireplace chimney dampers closed.
*	Consider moving your extra refrigerator or freezer out of the
garage to the basement and your appliance won’t have to work so hard
to stay cool. 
*	Don’t block vents and cold air returns with furniture, drapes
or rugs. 
*	Clean dust and lint away from appliances (heating/cooling unit,
refrigerators, hot water heaters, etc.) on a regular basis so the motors
run more efficiently. Either move appliances out to get behind and below
or use a special cleaning brush available at hardware stores.


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