PP&L, Inc. set a company record for delivering summertime electricity early Monday (6/28) afternoon.

With high temperatures and heavy humidity throughout central and eastern Pennsylvania, PP&L, Inc. delivered 6,128,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity to customers between 1 and 2 p.m. Monday, according to preliminary calculations. The company's former summertime record of 6,046,000 kilowatt-hours was set July 15, 1997 between 5 and 6 p.m.

A kilowatt-hour is the amount of electricity that will be used by ten 100-watt light bulbs in one hour. In PP&L, Inc.'s service area, the average home uses about 10,000 kilowatt-hours per year.

The company was able to set the delivery record without any interruption or curtailment of service to customers, according to William H. Whitehead, manager of Transmission & Distribution Operations for PP&L, Inc.

"PP&L today delivered the most electricity for the summertime in the history of the company," Whitehead said

"It's always a good idea to use energy wisely, particularly during periods of peak electricity demand," Whitehead said.

"Customers can use energy wisely by shifting the use of major electric appliances, such as washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers and electric stoves, to early morning or evening hours," Whitehead said.

"Above all, the primary concern of customers during a heat wave should be their health and safety," Whitehead added. "People should use the electricity they need to prevent heat-related health problems."

Other measures customers could take to save electricity include blocking out daytime sun with drapes and shades to keep the home cool; placing the air conditioner temperature setting on 80 degrees; limiting the opening of refrigerators or freezers; turning off as many lights as possible; and turning off appliances not needed.

The record set today is for summertime delivery. PP&L, Inc. generally delivers more electricity in the winter, and the all-time delivery record for the company is 6,688,000 set Jan. 14, 1999 between 5 and 6 p.m.