Media Contact: Faye Andersen
(775) 834-4822

For Immediate Release

For the fourth time in seven days, Sierra Pacific Power reported a record electric system peak of 1,744 megawatts*, recorded today at 4 p.m. Prolonged hot temperatures continue to drive heavy use of air conditioning equipment throughout the region. According to the company, record temperatures forecasted for the next week could produce more record electric system peaks in the days ahead.

Previous system peaks were set last Thursday at 1,716 megawatts; Wednesday at 1,698 megawatts; Tuesday at 1,686 megawatts.

The record prior to this summer was established in July 30, 2003 (1657 megawatts). The company said it is adding approximately 10,000 new electric customers each year, which increases the total use of electricity.

Sierra Pacific serves approximately 345,000 customers in northern Nevada and the Lake Tahoe area of California.

Customers are encouraged to visit the company's website atwww.sierrapacific.comfor summer energy conversation tips.

*One megawatt will power approximately 600 homes and businesses.

HOT WEATHER TIPS:

Listed below are a few of Sierra Pacific's tips for staying comfortable when daytime temperatures soar into the triple digits. These tips can also help customers hold down their monthly electricity costs.

• Dress appropriately. Loose fitting clothes, open collars and open- weave materials allow your body heat to escape. Natural fibers, such as cotton, work better than synthetics in absorbing perspiration and allowing it to evaporate.
• Keep the air circulating. Even a small portable fan can make you more comfortable at a very low energy cost. An electric fan is much less expensive to run than an air conditioner.
• Set the controls on your air conditioner between 78 and 80 degrees when at home; 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you're not home.
• If your air conditioning unit is located on the ground, keep the area around it clean and free of obstructions to maintain airflow. Keep the outdoor condenser coils clean and be sure to change your air conditioning filters.
• Turn off lights and appliances when they're not in use, including your computer.
• Close blinds and drapes during the day to keep the heat out.
• Use your dishwasher, washing machine and dryer as late in the evening as possible. Run full loads. Also, use the energy saver feature on your dishwasher, which allows dishes to air dry. When they're on, appliances generate heat. So turning them off may save air conditioning energy.
• Instead of using the stovetop or oven to prepare meals, barbecue outside. By reducing the heat produced in your home by the stove, you will reduce the load on your air conditioner.