KISSIMMEE, Fla., September 22, 10:00 p.m. – Kissimmee Utility Authority (KUA) is joining with other Florida utilities in asking customers to conserve energy in anticipation of potential damage that Hurricane Rita may bring to oil and natural gas production facilities in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Florida Reliability Coordinating Council (FRCC) today declared a Generating Capacity Advisory for Thursday, Sept. 22 through Sunday, Sept. 25, 2005. Many of the Gulf’s oil and gas production facilities have been powered down in anticipation of Hurricane Rita. Since 30-35 percent of the state’s power plants depend upon natural gas as their primary fuel, a disruption in production could adversely affect the generation of electricity by Florida’s utilities.
Customers are encouraged to eliminate all non-essential electric use. Simple conservation measures will greatly help extend the effectiveness of those supplies. KUA offers the following energy-saving tips:
* Adjust thermostat settings for air conditioning to 80 degrees or higher, if health permits. Keep temperature readings constant until notified that the fuel shortage has passed.
* Close curtains and blinds to help insulate homes and buildings against cooling loss.
* Avoid using room air conditioners; turn them off when you leave the room or home.
* Reduce use of all non-essential electric appliances. Run your dishwasher and wash and dry your laundry later in the evening.
* Turn off all non-essential lighting and electric appliances, such as pool pumps.
* When possible, use your microwave or countertop appliances for cooking instead of the oven or stove.
For additional energy conservation tips, customers can visit the utility’s Web site at www.kua.com/resources.
Founded in 1901, KUA (www.kua.com) is Florida’s sixth largest community-owned utility providing electric and telecommunication services to 170,000 residents in five Central Florida counties.
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Chris M. Gent
(407) 933-7777 x 1116
cgent@kua.com
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