Ames electric usage hits new peak demand during heat wave
Last week's electric usage in Ames scorched a previous high set more than a decade ago.
Ames Electric Services reported at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 22 that the community’s electric usage had reached a record 138 megawatts, up from the previous peak demand of 130.7 megawatts, set on July 25, 2012. Last week's record-breaking day was the first of three consecutive with a heat index well above 100 degrees.
As things heated up, the city’s electric department asked residents and businesses to conserve energy. Despite slightly higher temperatures the following days, no new records were recorded, which the city credits to responsible usage.
Through text messages, social media posts and messaging on the city’s website, customers of Ames Electric Services were asked to shift or reduce energy consumption.
City's biggest consumers help slow demand
The electric department also asked Ames’ largest customers to voluntarily reduce or shift non-essential electrical demand.
Several properties — including Amcor, Ames Community School District, Danfoss, 3M and Mary Greeley Medical Center — reduced their electric demand to help lighten the load.
Other conservation efforts included early shutdown of city facilities, such as the Resource Recovery Plant. Furman Aquatic Center adjusted the start-up of equipment. The Ames Water Treatment Plant stopped or shifted the use of a few of its pumps. All non-essential lighting was turned off in city buildings.
“While it’s unfortunate we hit a new peak, we experienced tremendous cooperation from customers who made changes that directly reduced electric use,” Donald Kom, Ames Electric Services director, said in a news release.
The predicted electric demand last week was 143 megawatts, but because of local efforts, Ames did not reach that level.
“We appreciate the outstanding efforts of our customers to help,” Kom said in the release.
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Record peak increases electric capacity
The record-breaking electric usage is not temporary, the city said. Each time a new peak is reached, Ames has to increase the available electric capacity.
“Ames Electric Services is required to furnish 108 percent of the average of its five-year peak demand,” the release stated.
Additional power is achieved through power plants or by contracting electricity from other utilities. Because buying electricity during peak times can be expensive, keeping the peak demand down reduces costs for customers, the city said.
“As a utility, we continue to monitor growing energy demands, and we are confident we can meet the electric needs of our customers now and in the future,” Kom said. “Our growth must be planned, strategic and in alignment with our community.
“As we move towards increased electrification, it is our practice to assess increased demands on our electric system and explore the most sustainable solutions.”
Ames Electric Services’ customers can receive text messages about demand and other important topics by adding a cell phone number to their utility accounts. They can also report power outages by text. Residents can visit www.CityOfAmes.org/Outage for more information.
Ronna Faaborg is a reporter for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rlawless@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: Heat wave caused record-breaking electricity demand in Ames
