GILROY
– California residents used more electricity than ever before
Wednesday, the third day in a row of record-setting energy use. It
looked like Thursday would be another record-breaker, but usage
peaked below the mid-week levels.
By Lori Stuenkel
GILROY – California residents used more electricity than ever before Wednesday, the third day in a row of record-setting energy use. It looked like Thursday would be another record-breaker, but usage peaked below the mid-week levels.
State officials emphasized conservation, particularly during peak afternoon hours when people are inclined to crank up the air conditioning, but did not anticipate any electrical emergencies or black-outs.
Californians used a record 44,360 megawatts of power Wednesday, breaking the previous record of 43,609 megawatts, set July 12, 1999.
Calpine’s Gilroy Energy Center, with three “peaker” power plants that kick in during peak usage, has been started up more than a few times this summer. The peakers go on line to generate more power to the state’s grid during times of the highest energy demand.
“They’ve been running fairly often this summer,” said Kent Robertson, Calpine spokesman.
The three peakers, with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts each, can be brought on-line in combinations of one, two, or three, depending on what the grid and Pacific Gas & Electric need. The peakers can go from a complete standstill to full output in a matter of minutes.
“Compared to last summer, they’ve been used less frequently simply because we’re having cooler weather so far. That’s not to say that won’t change, though: We haven’t hit the hottest months of the year yet, which are August and September.”
As the forecast calls for hotter temperatures, power consumers could continue to break Wednesday’s record, according to the California Independent System Operator, which manages the flow of electricity from PG&E and other utilities along the state’s power grid.
“The increase in the power demand is interesting to see,” given the not-too-scorching 90-degree temperatures, Robertson said. “That’s one of the most telling indicators of economic activity because you’re having this record usage being set when temperatures are not at record highs, so it’s a very positive indication of economic recovery.”
On the other hand, he said, it could be a source of concern, given that few new power plants are expected to come on line in the next several years.
The California grid operator offers several tips for conserving power, including:
– set your thermostat to 78-80 degrees when at home, 85 or off when away
– turn off unneeded lights, appliances and electronics
– avoid using major appliances during peak afternoon hours of 4 to 6 p.m.
– set pool pumps and automatic sprinklers to run in off-peak hours.
For more conservation tips, visit www.fypower.com.
Lori Stuenkel covers education for The Dispatch. She can be reached at 847-7158 or ls*******@************ch.com.
