Sunday broke some records for high temperatures, but the heat didn’t break Idaho Power’s record for peak demand. That’s even though the company is seeing tremendous demand on the system.
Sunday, the company used 3,292 megawatts of power to keep irrigators pumping and air conditioners on. But spokeswoman Lynette Standley says the system record — set July 2 — 2013, is 3,407 megawatts.
Idaho Power expects to use more power Monday than Sunday. Standley says the projection is over 3,300 megawatts. That compares to an average use of less than 2,000 megawatts.
When power use is high, the company can call in more hydro, coal and gas resources to fill in the gaps. Idaho Power also has volunteer programs for consumers to lower demand.
Standley says people can turn off air conditioners for 15 minute blocks to bring down demand during the day. Another volunteer program for irrigators shuts off their pumps for up to two hours at a time. Idaho Power will do that Monday, shutting down pumps at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.
Standley says despite the high temps, the company is not expected to hit peak demand Monday.
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