The US is in the middle of a heat wave this week, with high temperatures reaching into the 90s and 100s Fahrenheit across much of the country.

On Wednesday 23 states recorded temperatures above 100 degrees, with record breaking temperatures in 40 cities across the nation. Temperatures are expected to remain high through the next several days.  The National Weather Service has issued heat advisories and excessive heat warnings for large portions of the eastern and midwest US (www.weather.gov). 

Source: The Weather Channel

Such high temperatures are not only uncomfortable, but they are also costly, putting a heavy load on the nation’s electrical supply, with demand at or above record levels in many states.  The Southern Company, which owns electric utilities servicing 4.3 million customers in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi, set a record demand for the third consecutive day on Wednesday, reaching more than 40,000 megawatts.  Other utilities, including Progress Energy and Duke Energy (of the Carolinas) are also reporting record demand, and though they have adequate capacity to cover the need, are encouraging customers to take steps to limit demand.  The Governor of North Carolina has ordered all state agencies to raise setpoints to 78 degrees.

Source: Intellicast.com

Most utilities have rate structures based on peak demand as well as total consumption.  By limiting peak energy use during just a few days during a summer heat wave, a facility can greatly reduce energy bills for the following year.  Buildings across the nation will be setting demand peaks this week which they will continue to pay into 2008.  Peaks can be minimized using H I Solutions building automation products to monitor and limit electricity demand through load shedding, set point controls, and other demand control mechanisms, reducing energy bills for months to come.  A few hours of demand control can end up saving thousands of dollars in demand costs.  For more about HVAC and demand controls, contact H I Solutions at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it