Power consumption nears record

Reno Gazette-Journal Friday June 30th, 2000 Despite near-record use of electricity during a hot and sticky Wednesday afternoon, Sierra Pacific Power Co. expects no supply problems for its northern Nevada customers.

On Wednesday, 1,464 megawatts of power were used in the area, slightly less than the all-time record of 1,469 megawatts set July 12, 1999. Sierra Pacific spokesman Bob Sagan attributed the high power use primarily to air conditioners. Wednesdays consumption soared 40 megawatts over levels measured Tuesday.

In Las Vegas Thursday, Nevada Power Co. declared a code yellow day for the second consecutive day and urged big electrical customers to cut back on their consumption.

No such action is expected to be necessary in the Reno area, Sagan said.

Were in good shape right now. We dont anticipate any problems, Sagan said. But were not advising people to crank up their air conditioners either.

Sierra Pacifics regional service area provides power for customers in Reno-Sparks, Carson City, Douglas County, Lake Tahoe and Portola, Calif.

http://www.rgj.com/news2/stories/news/962423905.html

-- Martin Thompson (mthom1927@aol.com), June 30, 2000