Voluntary power reductions by Coloradans, with an assist from afternoon clouds, helped Xcel Energy avoid record demand for electricity Wednesday.
Wednesday’s searing 105-degree high – as measured at Denver International Airport – caused Xcel to implement two programs designed to abate the pressure on its statewide power system.
Xcel said it saved 159 megawatts of electricity, enough to serve a city the size of Lakewood, by interrupting power to customers who had previously signed up for the voluntary energy-reduction programs.
Use of the programs kept Wednesday’s peak power demand slightly under the record 6,655 megawatts set Tuesday when temperatures hit 101 degrees. One megawatt serves about 1,000 customers.
The biggest savings Wednesday came from a plan that allows Xcel to temporarily suspend power to manufacturers. The businesses receive bill credits of varying amounts in exchange for agreeing to have their power cut.
Another program that automatically cycles residential air conditioners on and off saved 54 megawatts systemwide. Xcel pays $25 a year to homeowners participating in the “Saver’s Switch” program.
Staff writer Steve Raabe can be reached at 303-820-1948 or sraabe@denverpost.com.
