SRP customers break power usage record during hottest day of the year

PHOENIX (3TV/CBS 5) -- Monday’s 115-degree heatwave set a new record for electricity usage, according to one of Arizona’s largest electric providers. Salt River Project (SRP) said the sweltering heat Monday pushed the utility’s electric division equipment to a new record for usage as many air conditioners worked overtime to keep Valley residents cool. The utility said the highest demand occurred between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m as many customers returned home.

“Maricopa County is the fastest-growing county in the nation, and that is reflected in this new record for energy demand in SRP’s service territory,” said Laura Olson, SRP’s Manager of Power Supply & Trading. “We were able to meet the increased customer demand thanks to our dedicated employees who ensure we have the energy needed to serve our customers and who maintain a robust electric system year-round to provide reliable service.”

According to SRP, an estimated 7,620 megawatts of power was delivered in the one-hour period. It’s an increase of five megawatts compared to the last record, 7,615 megawatts, which was broken on July 12, 2020. For comparison, one megawatt is enough energy to power about 225 homes. The utility says as temperatures remain dangerously high, customers can find efficient ways to conserve electricity on their website by clicking here for more information.

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