Media Contact:
Sonya Headen 702-367-5222

For Immediate Release

Nevada Power Company reported a record system peak of 5,306 megawatts at 5 p.m. today. This exceeds the previous peak of 5,062 megawatts (MW) recorded just yesterday, July 12, 2005.

Because of the current hot weather conditions, the company said it is possible today's record could be surpassed this week. In fact, the likelihood is quite high that it will be surpassed later this summer. Increases in demand also can be attributed to customer growth. Nevada Power has more than 740,000 customers today, compared with approximately 700,000 customers one year ago.

Here are some no-cost and low-cost tips to help customers stay cooler and use energy efficiently during the summer.

• Perform periodic maintenance on your air conditioner. Make sure the area around your air conditioning condenser is clear. This is typically the fan and coils in the back yard.
• Change your air conditioning duct air filters monthly.
• Seal leaks around doors and windows.
• Make sure your thermostat is level and set to 78-80 degrees. Increase this setting to 82-86 degrees when you are asleep or not at home. A programmable thermostat programmed to your family's schedule makes this easy. The $50-$80 for a programmable thermostat will pay for itself this summer.
• Block out summer heat by using shades, blinds, curtains, solar screens and landscaping, especially on the south and west sides of your home.
• Keep the garage door closed, especially if it is on the south or west side of your home.
• If possible, cook outdoorsâ€" or if indoors, later in the day is better. Microwaves use less energy and create less heat than conventional ovens and range tops.
• Use electric appliances efficiently. Run the dishwasher, clothes washing machine, dryer and pool pump before 1 p.m. and after 7 p.m.
• Use ceiling fans to distribute the cool air in your house and to provide the sensation of cooler temperatures. Air moving across the skin has the sensation of feeling 4-8 degrees cooler than the ambient temperature.

For information on new programs and detailed tips see our website atwww.nevadapower.com

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