Feeling the heat for cool savings.(Business)

0 Comments | Washington Times, The, July, 1999 | by Lucas, Fred

More than 400 businesses and 200,000 residents in the Washington area voluntarily cut off their air conditioners yesterday in the midst of daytime temperatures in the upper 90s. No, they don't enjoy the summer swelter any more than everyone else, but they saved money through their electric companies' power-saving programs.

All three local electric companies - Potomac Electric Power Co., Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. and Virginia Electric and Power Co. - run programs that save companies up to $23 per megawatt and save residents up to $9 a month on their electric bills for cutting off their air conditioners during peak energy demand. "One megawatt will power 250 homes," said Ken Blackwell, spokesman for Virginia Power. Pepco projects that 4,270...