Because of record demand for electricity, Progress Energy Florida is asking the public to reduce use of electric power temporarily.

“System demand is approaching the maximum capabilities of the system,” said Glenn S. Dooley, Progress Energy’s director of the Energy Control Center. “By reducing our use of electricity, we can help ensure an uninterrupted flow of electricity to all customers. Once this extreme cold passes, we can resume normal power use.”

Customers should turn off unnecessary lights, avoid using dishwashers, washing machines and dryers and postpone chores involving electrical equipment. Cooking can be done with energy-efficient microwaves instead of stoves. Industrial and commercial customers are also asked to reduce power usage, as well as residents of communities whose municipal power system is served by Progress Energy Florida.

“We expect power demand to return to normal after temperatures moderate,” Dooley said. “We know this is an inconvenience and we appreciate the public’s cooperation and patience. We’ll announce when customers can resume normal power use.”

Customers can monitor the power situation by tuning in to local radio stations on battery-operated radios.

Electricity use across the state has reached record levels. Last week, Progress Energy Florida customers set an hourly peak-demand record, using 10,299 megawatt-hours (MWh) as temperatures dipped into the 20s throughout much of the state.

Progress Energy supplies power to Suwannee Valley Electric Cooperative and numerous other providers throughout the state.