Sustained heat and humidity has caused the increased use of electricity by customers of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., who set a new all time peak-use on Monday, June 13, at 1,143 megawatts (MW). The previous record of 1,126 MW was set on July 29, 2002. Monday’s 24-hour usage of electricity, when 21,774 megawatt-hours were delivered, did not surpass the 24-hour record set on July 3, 2002, of 22,249 megawatt-hours.

High levels of electricity use are normally seen during hot and humid days, as residents and businesses use air conditioning to keep cool. “This new record is also an indication of the continued growth in the Mid-Hudson Valley, as new homes and businesses are added to the region,” said Carl E. Meyer, President and Chief Operating Officer. “With continued heat and humidity forecasted today, we may see a new peak-use record of electricity set by Central Hudson customers this afternoon,” noted Meyer.

Residents are reminded to conserve energy whenever possible, especially during the hottest days, by turning off lights, appliances, televisions, computers and other electric devices when not in use. “We may see a recurrence of hot weather again this summer, and keeping conservation in mind will help the statewide electric system provide energy when demands are at their highest,” said Meyer.

Additional steps customers can take to save energy include:

· Setting thermostats on air conditioners to no lower than 79 degrees, and higher during times when the home is not occupied;

· Keeping refrigerator and freezer doors closed as long as possible, and limit the time they are opened;

· Closing doors, windows, curtains, shades and blinds during the day seal out the heat and block sunlight during the hottest parts of the day;

· Using large appliances, such as dishwashers and dryers, during the evening hours, when overall energy use is less.

Customers may also visit Central Hudson’s website to learn more about energy conservation. Log onto www.CHEnergyGroup.com, then click onto “Customer Services,” then “Conserving Energy.”