The Marietta Daily Journal – Georgia Power sets winter peak demand record

Georgia Power announced today it set a record for winter electricity usage due to record-breaking cold on the morning of Tuesday, Jan. 7.

The utility said it notched a new record for winter peak demand between 7 and 8 a.m., when estimated preliminary peak demand for electricity averaged approximately 16,859 megawatts (MW), exceeding the company’s previous winter record set on Dec. 14, 2010 of 15,806 MW by more than 1,000 MW.

The peak corresponded directly with the lowest temperatures of the week, with morning temperatures in many parts of the state in the single digits. In Cobb County temperatures as low as 4 degrees were recorded, a record low for Jan. 7.

To ensure adequate power supply for all customers during the extended period of record-breaking low temperatures, the company brought additional generation online prior to the arrival of the frigid weather. The company also worked “around the clock to carefully monitor power loads on circuits and had crews and engineering teams on call to respond to any potential issues or service interruptions.”

via The Marietta Daily Journal – Georgia Power sets winter peak demand record.