Newark , DE -After reaching a new high yesterday, Delmarva Power set an unofficial new peak demand for electricity use again today as customers relied on air conditioning to cope with the soaring heat and humidity.

The previous unofficial peak of 4,228 megawatts set just Wednesday, fell at 5:00 p.m. Thursday, August 3. The new, unofficial peak total is 4,243 megawatts. One megawatt of electricity is enough to power about 800 to 1,000 homes. On a typical summer day, Delmarva Power customers use 3,500 megawatts. The new peak won't be officially determined until later in the week, when officials reconcile the initial estimate with actual usage.

With heat indexes over the 100 degree mark, air conditioners pushed up power demand by continuously running to keep residences and businesses comfortable. While power supply is adequate, Delmarva Power is continuing to ask customers to use energy wisely, especially during peak usage hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Delmarva Power offers the following conservation tips:

• Close curtains and blinds to keep out the sun and retain cooler air inside your home, apartment or business.
• Postpone using major heat-producing appliances like electric stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until the evening hours; if possible, delay using them until the extreme heat subsides.
• Set your air-conditioner thermostat higher than usual, 75-78 degrees, if health permits.
• Turn off non-essential lights, appliances and equipment. This is especially important for business customers of all types.

Additional conservation tips are available at www.delmarva.com

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Delmarva Power, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe, reliable and affordable regulated electric and natural gas delivery services to more than 500,000 customers in Delaware, Maryland , and Virginia .