Texas sets a record for power use after two days of heat advisories from the National Weather Service.
During peak demand Wednesday, residents used 63,594 megawatts according to the state's main grid operator.
The last record set was last year in July.
The water fountain at Discovery Green was packed, as squealing kids found relief in the geysers of cool water.
"We just wanted to get outside and get the kids wet because they get kind of bored inside when they can't get outside," said Amanda Noble.
For the second day in a row, extreme heat and humidity had a tight grip on Houston.
By noon temperatures were already at the century mark.
"We are doing pretty good this summer," said Pat Hammond, spokesperson for Reliant Energy
While Texas hit a record high demand for electricity Wednesday, Hammond said we have plenty of generation capacity.
In fact, the electric reliability council said there's a 21% cushion of reserves to cover unexpected major outages.
However, Hammond said we still need to do our part to conserve - which will in turn save us money.
"You can close your blinds on the east and west exposures and just try to keep it from getting hot to start with," Hammond said.
When it comes to your AC, she recommends picking a comfortable temperature and leaving it there. If you're gone for more than four hours she says you can adjust it by four degrees, but don't crank it up and down - that's just a waste of money.
As for those ceiling fans:
"Operating a ceiling fan per hour is really very inexpensive, but if you leave it running 24/7 it can cost you anywhere from 8-15 dollars a month and if you have one of those in every room in the house you're really jacking up the bill," Hammond said.
If you work from home or are off for the summer - you may want to do like the families at Discovery Green and get out of the house for several hours to help cut down on electric bills that we all know can add up during these hot summer months.
"The AC stays on anyway, but you don't have to drop the temp so much," said Monica Irizarry.
"It's rather expensive, so it's nice to get outdoors and do something that's free too," Noble said.
Reliant has eightBeat the Heat Centers open right now thru October 2nd from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Aside from games, movies and snacks there is also free transportation to and from these centers.
Thursday the city of Houston also activated itsCooling centers.
During peak demand Wednesday, residents used 63,594 megawatts according to the state's main grid operator.
The last record set was last year in July.
The water fountain at Discovery Green was packed, as squealing kids found relief in the geysers of cool water.
"We just wanted to get outside and get the kids wet because they get kind of bored inside when they can't get outside," said Amanda Noble.
For the second day in a row, extreme heat and humidity had a tight grip on Houston.
By noon temperatures were already at the century mark.
"We are doing pretty good this summer," said Pat Hammond, spokesperson for Reliant Energy
While Texas hit a record high demand for electricity Wednesday, Hammond said we have plenty of generation capacity.
In fact, the electric reliability council said there's a 21% cushion of reserves to cover unexpected major outages.
However, Hammond said we still need to do our part to conserve - which will in turn save us money.
"You can close your blinds on the east and west exposures and just try to keep it from getting hot to start with," Hammond said.
When it comes to your AC, she recommends picking a comfortable temperature and leaving it there. If you're gone for more than four hours she says you can adjust it by four degrees, but don't crank it up and down - that's just a waste of money.
As for those ceiling fans:
"Operating a ceiling fan per hour is really very inexpensive, but if you leave it running 24/7 it can cost you anywhere from 8-15 dollars a month and if you have one of those in every room in the house you're really jacking up the bill," Hammond said.
If you work from home or are off for the summer - you may want to do like the families at Discovery Green and get out of the house for several hours to help cut down on electric bills that we all know can add up during these hot summer months.
"The AC stays on anyway, but you don't have to drop the temp so much," said Monica Irizarry.
"It's rather expensive, so it's nice to get outdoors and do something that's free too," Noble said.
Reliant has eightBeat the Heat Centers open right now thru October 2nd from 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Aside from games, movies and snacks there is also free transportation to and from these centers.
Thursday the city of Houston also activated itsCooling centers.
