New York Sets Power Use Record This Summer

NEW YORK, N.Y. (AP) -- Utility officials said New Yorkers set a record for electricity use during July as they sought air-conditioned relief from the sweltering heat and humidity.

The New York Independent System Operator, which runs the state's power grid, says New Yorkers consumed 17,312 gigawatt-hours of electricity in July, the highest monthly usage on record.

The prior record was set in August 2005 when the monthly usage was 17,003 gigawatt-hours.

Electricity consumption in July, one of the hottest months on record, was 19 percent higher than in July 2009, which was cooler than normal.

July also saw one of the state's highest peaks when demand reached 33,452 megawatts on July 6. The total capacity available for the state is roughly 43,000 megawatts.

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