September
2007
Walton
EMC's Electric System Takes the Heat
An
update from CEO Ronnie Lee
August’s
record heat wave prompted us all to turn up the air conditioning. That means
several new records were set for electricity use on our cooperative’s
distribution grid.
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CEO Ronnie Lee |
The
highest peak recorded last year was 637 megawatts. That figure was passed
on August 7 when our system registered 662 megawatts. Peak use climbed daily
from there, with a high of 705 megawatts on August 9 and 10.
Not
only were new records set locally; the statewide total for all Georgia EMCs
served by Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC) hit an all-time high of
9,292 megawatts on August 22.
How
big is a megawatt? One megawatt is enough electricity to power 10,000 100-watt
light bulbs all at the same time.
I’m
sure you noticed that your air conditioner struggled to keep up with the
heat. But one thing that didn’t struggle was Walton EMC’s electric
system.
There
were no heat related capacity problems on our system. That means you had
plenty of power when you needed it, even during the hottest days. Much of
the success in meeting the demand comes from good planning
and close monitoring.
Recent
improvements–especially the new Bethabara substation in northwest Oconee
County–played a big part in avoiding problems.
2007 WEMC System
Demand |
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The
new substation carries some of the load from two of our other stations that
were reaching capacity. Now, all three have room to grow. As other substations
reach capacity, we’ll have to find relief for them, too.
But
it’s not just the heat that’s taxing Georgia’s electric
system.
As
the population continues to grow, the use of electric devices–like home
computers and big-screen TVs that we all enjoy–will increase demand on electric
lines and substations.
By
the end of this decade, electricity demand is projected to outpace population
growth by two to one. That means to keep the level of service you deserve
and expect, improvements and expansion of the electric grid is essential.
And with those improvements to
our electric grid, you’ll continue to stay cool on the hottest of summer
days.
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