Because of the continuing hot, humid weather, PP&L, Inc., expects demand for electricity to be near a summer-record level Wednesday afternoon (7/22).

"Even with the high demand for electricity, we expect to have enough supply for our customers," explained Doug Myers, supervisor of Transmission& Distribution Operations for PP&L, Inc.

He said PP&L, Inc., power plants have been performing extremely well throughout the heat wave, more than meeting the demand needs of the company's 1.2 million electric delivery customers.

PP&L, Inc.'s current summertime use record is 6,046,000 kilowatt-hours, set July 15, 1997. Because the company experiences higher demand for electricity in the winter months, its all-time use record is 6,607,000 kilowatt-hours set Feb. 6, 1996.

No records were set Tuesday (7/21).

The company continues to ask its customers to use energy wisely to help ensure that enough power is available until the heat breaks. At this time, the company has no plans to call for emergency measures that would directly affect the bulk of its customers.

Some of the things customers can do include:

• Setting the thermostat on their air conditioners at 80 degrees.
• Limiting the amount of time that refrigerator and freezer doors are open.
• Deferring the use of major appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers until the evening, when demand for electricity is lower.
• Closing curtains and blinds to keep out the sun.

"While asking customers to use energy wisely, we want them to take any precautions they feel are necessary to protect their health and safety," Myers said. "This applies especially to the elderly."

Customers can use several ways to beat the heat:

• Slow down and take it easy. Activity increases the chance of heat stress.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid alcohol, which interferes with your body's ability to fight heat stress.
• Watch what you eat. Avoid hot foods and heavy meals, and limit your salt intake.
• Bathe or shower in cool water (about 75 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal).
• Spend as much time as possible in cool surroundings. If you have air conditioning, use it. If not, go to a place that is air conditioned, such as a store, mall, movie theater or senior center.