Historic Cold creating Record Demand for Electricity

South Carolina’s electric cooperatives and other utilities are warning that all-time low temperatures this week may result in a record demand for electricity. Historically, cold weather creates the highest residential electricity use in South Carolina. The most critical hours for utilities supplying power are the hours from 6-9am when demand is at its peak. Consumers are urged to be mindful of their energy use during the hours of peak demand. Consumers can use less power by turning off all but essential lights, unplugging non-essential appliances and devices, setting thermostats on 68 degrees or lower, minimizing or postponing hot water use, ensuring heating vents are open and unobstructed and limiting use of major power-consuming equipment such as dishwashers, washers, and dryers from 6-9am.