OMAHA- With the extremely hot temperatures that occurred recently, Omaha Public Power District announced they have set a record for electric usage.

Jodi Baker, spokeswoman for the utility, said peak usage typically occurs between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. This is when outside temperatures are their highest and air conditioners go into overdrive in response to temperatures and families lowering thermostats as they arrive home.

As temperatures peaked above 101 degrees, the utility reached a peak usage of 2,540 megawatts. The previous record was set a decade earlier at 2,468,3 megawatts.

Even though demand has reached record levels, OPPD anticipates being able to meet electrical demand this summer, Baker said.

Likewise, the Southwest Power Pool, the regional entity that manages the electrical grid across 17 states, has said it anticipates being able to meet demand.

OPPD has offered an incentive to users if they allow OPPD to remotely cycle their air conditioner on and off.

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