Blue Ridge Electric Urges Members to Reduce Use of Electricity During Heat Wave

For Immediate Release

Contact: Renee Whitener, Director of Public Relations, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation, (828) 758-2383, Ext. 3213; Pager: 1-800-471-1323; or E-mail: Renee Whitener

Lenoir, NC (July 20, 2006) – With unusually high summer temperatures pushing electricity usage to high levels all across the region, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corporation requests its members think “conservation” and reduce their use of electricity where possible.
Blue Ridge Electric recommends reducing power usage by adhering to the following guidelines where appropriate, but not to the point where life or health are endangered:

1. Raise air conditioning temperatures to 78 degrees or higher
2. Use fans to help cool by circulating the air
3. Reduce water heater temperatures to 120 degrees
4. Delay dishwashing and clothes washing and drying until evening hours
5. Close curtains or blinds during the day to reduce heat in homes
6. Take short showers instead of baths
7. If possible, avoid cooking heavy, hot meals inside and grill out instead
8. Minimize the use of lights

Lee Layton, chief operating officer for Blue Ridge Electric, said, “At Blue Ridge Electric we have a great history of working together with our members. I thank them in advance for helping conserve energy during this heavy usage period.”

Layton added that Blue Ridge Electric continuously works closely with power supply providers to monitor load and transmission systems.

Blue Ridge Electric is a member-owned electric cooperative providing power to some 70,000 consumers in Caldwell, Watauga, Ashe, Alleghany, Wilkes, Alexander and Avery counties.

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