
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, July 15, 1993                   TAG: 9307150156
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C-2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

APCO JUICE FLOWS TO RECORD LEVEL

Appalachian Power Co. said its customers set a summer record, using 5,131,000 kilowatts of electricity between 3 and 4 p.m. Tuesday.

The one-hour peak demand broke the previous summer record of 5,110,000 kilowatts set at 5 p.m. on the same date a year ago.

The Roanoke-based utility said Wednesday the demand was a combination of high temperatures and high humidity across its Virginia and West Virginia service area. The combination means air conditioners must work harder, consuming more electricity, to produce cool air.

"Many customers can expect to receive higher electric bills reflecting their increased usage," said M.H. Knapp, manager of the company's system operation department.

Apco generally has its peak demands during the winter, he said. It's all-time high demand of 5,996,000 kilowatts was set on Dec. 22, 1989.

Peak demand is defined as the total amount of energy required by all of a utility's customers in an hour.

by CNB