Record high temps push electricity need

JACKSON, Mich. (WOOD) - Record high temperatures, along with Michigan's recovering economy, has pushed the demand for electricity to its highest level this year for Consumer's Energy.

The company reported the demand hit a peak of 8,820 megawatts between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, which is about 1 percent below Consumer's Energy's all-time record of 8,930 megawatts on July 21, 2011. It was also their third highest daily energy load in Consumer's Energy 125-year history.

John Russell, the president and chief executive officer of Consumer's Energy, said the company was well-prepared to meet Friday's high power demand from their 1.8 million customers.

"Our employees delivered for Michigan today during record high temperatures and lived up to our motto, 'Count on Us,'" said Russell. "It's on days like today that our customers understand first-hand the value of electricity."

Russell also explained in a statement that more than 1,000 employees have been brought from out-of-state to restore services to remaining customers in the east part of the state, who lost power due to severe storms.

"While the weather was one factor in today's high power demand by customers, this production level also reflects Michigan's recovering economy," said Russell. "Our industrial customers have increased their power demand for three consecutive years that's a key sign that Michigan is coming back."

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As of 4 a.m. Saturday, the approximate numbers of Consumers Energy electric customers remaining without service in the following counties were:  

Clinton       1,179
Eaton           770
Genesee    9,222
Gratiot     1,025
Hillsdale      689
Ingham      1,257
Jackson    2,413
Livingston    453
Montcalm     890
Oakland       474
Saginaw       1,118
Shiawassee 3,622

Some of those in the hardest hit areas may not have power restored until late Saturday or Sunday.