As triple-digit temperatures continue to push demand for electricity higher, PP&L, Inc., is asking its 1.3 million electric delivery customers in eastern and central Pennsylvania to use electricity wisely in their efforts to beat the heat.

"The demand for electricity is much higher than normal today (7/6) because of the oppressive heat," said William H. Whitehead, PP&L, Inc.'s manager of Transmission & Distribution Operations.

At the request of the regional PJM Interconnection power pool, PP&L, Inc., curtailed electric delivery to a group of about 80 large industrial customers, based on the provisions of PP&L, Inc.'s interruptible service rate.

These customers have special contracts with PP&L, Inc., that enable them to buy power at a lower price in exchange for agreeing to temporary interruptions of their electric service when needed.

PP&L, Inc., has not interrupted electric service to any other customers, Whitehead noted.

PP&L, Inc., likely will deliver a near-record amount of electricity to its customers today. In addition, the PJM Interconnection — which coordinates the distribution of electricity for more than 22 million people in parts of five mid-Atlantic states — will set a new record for electricity use.

The current PP&L, Inc., summer record was set last Monday (6/28), with an estimated 6,118,000 kilowatt-hours delivered between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.

"As always during periods of high demand, we encourage customers to use electricity wisely, but our primary concern is for the health and safety of our customers," Whitehead said. "People should use the electricity they need to prevent heat-related health problems."

A few simple ways customers can conserve energy include the following:

-- Shift the use of major appliances such as clothes washers, dryers and dishwashers to early morning or evening hours when demand for electricity is lower.

-- Set the air-conditioner thermostat at 80 degrees.

-- Limit opening of refrigerators or freezers.

-- Turn off appliances you don't need and as many lights as possible.

-- Block out daytime sun with drapes and shades to help keep the home cool.