KISSIMMEE, Fla., June 25, 2019 – For the second consecutive day, residents of Kissimmee have set a new all-time record for electricity use.
Kissimmee Utility Authority recorded an instantaneous system peak of 398.1 megawatts (MW) at 4:40 p.m. Tuesday, eclipsing Monday’s record of 388.8 MW.
Above-normal temperatures combined with high humidity created a heat index in Kissimmee of 107 degrees Tuesday (as reported by Kissimmee Gateway Airport), forcing air conditioners to work overtime.
All four generating units at the utility’s Cane Island power plant were in operation Tuesday to meet the increased demand.
KUA offers the following energy-saving tips that require little or no expense and can help to reduce summertime energy costs:
- Set the thermostat on the highest comfortable setting (KUA recommends 78-80 degrees). Raising the temperature just two degrees can reduce cooling costs by as much as five percent.
- Change or clean air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent.
- Use ceiling and portable fans to keep air moving. Fans only use about as much energy as a light bulb.
- Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the sun’s rays from heating a house.
Founded in 1901, KUA is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility powering 76,000 customers in Osceola County, Fla. For more information, visit http://kua.com.