EAC pleads with consumers to save energy

THE ELECTRICITY Authority has appealed to the public save on energy during the current heat wave.

Because of the high temperatures, the EAC says electricity demand has reached extremely high levels, and is warning the public against any unnecessary use to decrease the risk of blackouts.

Energy consumption yesterday reached a maximum of 990 MW at 4pm, when outside conditions showed a temperature of 39C and a relative humidity of 36 per cent.

Yesterday’s figure is just 16 MW shy of the island’s all-time maximum of 1006MW, reached on June 28 during the last major heat wave.

“If this spell of heat continues, we could definitely go over the previous record,” warned Christos Toufexis of the Transmission System Operator.

The Transmission System Operator is reportedly able to cater up to 1040MW of electricity, but high consumption last month led to numerous blackouts.

“We and the Electricity Authority are asking for a joint effort to decrease electricity consumption between 10am and 4pm,” said Toufexis.

The public is urged to refrain from using electrical appliances that can be used at any time during the day during peak hours of electricity usage.

“We ask the public to do whatever they can to postpone the use of washing machines, dishwashers and dryers, as well as ironing, until later in the day when there is lower demand,” said Toufexis.

He also suggested adjusting thermostats on air conditioning units to higher temperatures.

As well as delaying the use of these appliances, the EAC also asks that the public use air conditioning and lights responsibly.

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