[UPDATED] T&TEC records highest electricity demand...again

The Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) has broken its own record a second time, just days after the first.

T&TEC recorded its highest-ever consumer electricity demand, of 1,400.2 megawatts (MW) on August 24, owing to the country's unusually high temperatures.

But after the initial press release recording this on Wednesday, it issued another which said the highest-ever consumer electricity demand was now 1,410MW, recorded on Monday.

In the releases, general manager of T&TEC Curvis Francois acknowledged that the weather could have caused increased usage of air-conditioning units – which typically account for the highest percentage of household electricity consumption.

The Meteorological Service has said temperatures are likely to be higher than usual until October.

Since there is traditionally an increase in consumption in July and August, Francois said, "The impact on demand is not unexpected."

T&TEC said it has more than enough installed capacity – 2037MW – to meet this surge of demand for electricity, but this development calls for increased natural gas usage.

It added that conserving energy, once safe to do so, will help reduce the impact on the availability of natural gas.

T&TEC suggestions to conserve energy:

Raise the temperatures of air conditioning units by a few degrees to minimise the load

Use fans

Close window coverings – blinds and curtains – so the air conditioning unit does not work harder

Lower the temperature on your tank water heater or turn it off for one-two days and avoid using hot water for laundry and doing dishes

Unplug appliances – ceiling fans, gaming consoles, stereo systems, personal computers and desktop printers and TVs. Or ensure they are in energy-saving mode and switch to energy-efficient LEDs, which consume significantly less electricity and generate less heat.