City Of Ames: Electric Use Anticipated At 'Peak' Demand; Residents Asked To Conserve

Ames IA

15 June, 2022

7:12 AM

Description

Press release from the City of Ames: June 13, 2022 The high temperatures and humidity this week are creating an increased demand for electricity and predicted energy use could result in a new record. Ames Electric Services is requesting all customers reduce consumption. The utility is issuing an electric use "peak alert" for today and Tuesday. By reducing electric demand between 2 to 7 p.m., customers will lower utility bills, contribute to a lower electric rate over time, and avoid the need to build additional generation. "This extreme weather can stress the entire electric system. The best thing customers can do is reduce energy usage, which also lowers the cost to provide it," said Ames Electric Services Director Donald Kom. Ames Electric Services produces electricity at the Ames Power Plant, uses wind energy, and distributes solar energy produced by SunSmart Ames, the community solar farm. The utility also owns two peaking units to provide locally produced power. Ames Electric Services supplements capacity by purchasing electricity off the regional electric grid. When electric demand grows across the country, prices increase rapidly. During a "peak alert," Ames Electric Services will implement its Prime Time Power program, which cycles off central air conditioning systems for 7.5 minutes each half hour for customers who are Prime Time Power participants. When customers join Prime Time Power, Ames Electric Services provides a $5 credit each month for June, July, August, and September. More information is available at www.cityofames.org/SmartEnergy. To remind customers of the peak alert, Ames Electric Services will be sending text reminders to customers Tuesday who have registered a cell phone number in the automated system. To reduce electric consumption during a peak alert, residents should: This press release was produced by the City of Ames. The views expressed here are the author's own.