SCE&G customers set new record for electricity use

August 12, 2007

COLUMBIA, S.C. – Aug. 8, 2007 – South Carolina Electric & Gas customers set a new record for electric use today. A new peak demand record of 4,869 megawatts of electricity was set during the one hour period ending at 3 p.m. That figure surpassed the previous system peak record of 4,820 megawatts set July 27, 2005.

One megawatt of electricity is equivalent to the amount of electricity used by 330 homes during one hour. A megawatt hour is 1,000 kilowatts of electricity used continuously for one hour.

With 100 degree temperatures forecast for the remainder of the week, SCE&G would like to remind its customers of low to no-cost steps they can take to help control energy costs while beating the heat.
1. Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. For each degree below 78 degrees, your cooling costs increase by 5 to 10 percent.
2. Use ceiling or floor fans wherever possible, but only use them when you’re in the room. Fans use very little energy and can make a room feel more comfortable.
3. Check your air filters once a month and replace if dirty so your air conditioner won’t have to work as hard.
4. Make sure your air conditioning unit is not blocked by shrubbery, leaves or objects. Also check that the vents that bring cool air into your home are unobstructed.
5. Keep the cool air in and the heat out.
a. Check doors and windows to make sure they’re well sealed. If necessary, caulk around windows and replace weather stripping around doors.
b. Keep shades and drapes closed so the sunlight isn’t adding to the warmth of the house. Keeping them closed also helps reduce the amount of cool air that escapes your home.
c. Wash clothes and dishes during the early morning or nighttime hours. The humidity from these activities can make homes uncomfortable.
d. Use a microwave oven or prepare cold meals to avoid excess heat in the kitchen.


SCE&G is a regulated public utility that is engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity to approximately 623,000 customers throughout the state. The company also provides natural gas service to approximately 297,000 customers in South Carolina. Information about SCE&G is available on the company’s web site at www.sceg.com.