Kissimmee residents used more electricity on Tuesday, May 28, 2019, than at any other time in Kissimmee Utility Authority’s 118-year history, thanks to scorching temperatures and triple-digit heat indexes that had air conditioners working overtime.

Kissimmee Utility Authority recorded an instantaneous system peak of 380.8 megawatts (MW) at 5:13 p.m. Tuesday, eclipsing the previous record of 374.5 MW set on August 8, 2018.

KUA offers the following energy-saving tips that require little or no expense and can help to reduce summertime energy costs:

  • Set the thermostat on the highest comfortable setting (KUA recommends 78-80 degrees). Raising the temperature just two degrees can reduce cooling costs by as much as five percent.
  • Change or clean air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent.
  • Use ceiling and portable fans to keep air moving. Fans only use about as much energy as a light bulb.
  • Close blinds, drapes, and shades during the hottest part of the day. This keeps the sun’s rays from heating a house.

Source: Kissimmee Utility Authority