Georgia Power watches electricity use amid heat wave

ATLANTA — Georgia Power is monitoring power use across the Southeast as temperatures reach triple digits for the first time in five years. 

But the utility company said Friday it's still well below the all-time power usage record.
 
"We're about 2,000 megawatts below our all-time summer peak, which we set in 2007," said Georgia Power Company spokeswoman Lynn Wallace.
 
Technicians monitor power generation and electricity flows from inside the Georgia Power Transmission Center. Wallace said the company prepares all year for the hot summer months and is ready for all those air conditioners running to keep people cool.
 
"Everything is going great at our plants, running efficiently," said Wallace.  "Our systems and equipment are working well.  We are fully prepared to meet the demands of our customers during this peak time."
 
Amy Pippin has a timer on the thermostat inside her northwest Atlanta home.  It keeps the house warmer during the day when she and her husband are not home but cycles the temperature lower in the evenings and at night. 

Pippin also keeps her ceiling fans running to keep air circulating.  She was born in metro Atlanta but is still having a hard time with the heat.
 
"I think it's about 105 degrees," said Pippin. "I'm used to it, but it's still not fun.  This heat is not fun."
 
Wallace believes Georgia Power is ready for the rest of summer, too.
 
"It is hot, but we've got plenty of generation," said Wallace.  "We plan for hot days.  We plan for heat waves like we're having right now."

WSBTV