Record Heat Yields All-Time OUC Peak Demand

Utility Offers Ways to Reduce Demand & Save on Bills

ORLANDO, Fla. – Amid an extended stretch of extreme heat, Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC—The Reliable One) customers are breaking electricity demand records across Central Florida, underscoring the critical importance of reliable service during peak summer conditions.

On Tuesday (7/29), OUC’s St. Cloud customers broke a previous demand record set just a day before and recorded 293 megawatts (MWs). Also, on Monday (7/28), Orlando customers tied a peak demand record set in 2023, reaching 1,349 megawatts (MW).

Temperatures across the Orlando area have soared into the high 90s, with heat indexes topping 110°F, placing increased stress on air conditioning systems and OUC’s demand. In response, OUC is ramping up outreach, conservation tips, and assistance efforts.

To help reduce demand on the grid, OUC advises:

• Spread out appliance use throughout the day. Running multiple high-energy devices at the same time causes demand to spike. Instead, smooth out your electricity use!
• Don’t stack chores: Run the dryer after the oven is off. Start your dishwasher after laundry finishes. Also, try not to run your dishwasher, oven and pool pump all at once.

To help keep electric bills in check, OUC recommends these easy-to-use tips:

• Set your A/C to “auto” so the fan only runs when needed.
• Replace dirty filters — clogged ones restrict airflow and overwork your A/C.
• Install a smart thermostat to adjust temperatures when you’re away.
• Aim for 78°F or higher — each degree below that can raise cooling costs by 6–8%. Try the one-degree challenge to adjust gradually.
• Use ceiling fans to feel cooler without lowering the thermostat.
• Block heat with shades, drapes, blinds, or window film, especially on east- and west-facing windows.
• Keep windows and doors closed to hold in cool air.

Additional water and appliance tips:

• Run full loads in dishwashers and washing machines; skip hot water when possible.
• Set your water heater to 125°F or lower to avoid wasted energy.
• Air dry clothes when you can. If using a dryer, avoid overloading — it reduces airflow and efficiency.

OUC offers a variety of programs to help customers pay their bills – from OUC Power Pass prepaid program, budget billing to payment plans. OUC’s Project CARE payment-assistance program provides emergency relief to those experiencing financial hardships.

Learn more, save more at ouc.com/hotweathertips.

Looking ahead, OUC’s PeakSHIFT program will give customers more tools to reduce peak demand and control monthly costs, helping ensure reliable, affordable service for our community.

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About OUC—The Reliable One
For more than 100 years, OUC—The Reliable One has provided exceptional value to its customers and community through the delivery of sustainable and reliable services and solutions. The utility provides electric, water, chilled water, lighting and solar services to more than 400,000 accounts in Orlando, St. Cloud and parts of unincorporated Orange and Osceola counties. As OUC prepares for the next century, it remains committed to a goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050 while supporting the Central Florida community with conservation, sustainability and energy efficiency resources. Visit www.ouc.com to learn more.