SALISBURY, Md. - PJM, the organization that manages the high-voltage electric grid that serves 13 states including Maryland and Delaware, has called for load reduction today until 8 p.m. For customers voluntarily enrolled in Delmarva Power's Energy Wise Rewards program in Maryland and Delaware, a conservation period that began at 1 p.m. may now extend until 8 p.m. tonight. This means that Delmarva Power will cycle Energy Wise Rewards participants' air conditioner compressors off and on for short intervals during these hours. It may take up to a half-hour after the event ends for air conditioners to resume normal operations.

Because PJM requires this energy conservation period, program participants will not be able to opt out.

Also, Delmarva Power's Delaware customers will still be able to save money by reducing energy in order to receive Peak Energy Saving Credits. Delaware customers who reduce energy use below their specified baseline between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. today can receive a credit of $1.25 off their bill for every kilowatt hour (kWh) of reduced usage through the Peak Energy Savings Credit program.

Peak Energy Savings Credit and Energy Wise Rewards are voluntary programs. Customers can learn more about Peak Energy Savings Credits by calling 1-855-750-PEAK (1-855-750-7325) or visit www.delmarva.com. To learn more about Energy Wise Rewards, call 1-866-353-5799 or visit www.delmarva.com/rewards .

Delmarva Power asks all customers to conserve electricity during this conservation period. Customers can take simple steps:

• Set air-conditioning thermostats at 78 degrees and use an electric fan, which doesn't require as much energy, and the air will seem cooler without sacrificing comfort. Energy Wise Rewards participants do not need to adjust their thermostats. Program operators will do that automatically.
• Limit the use of electrically heated water and turn off non-essential appliances and as many lights as possible.
• Limit opening refrigerator or freezer doors.
• Avoid using high-energy appliances like electric stoves, washing machines, dishwashers and dryers until the evening.

Find additional information by visiting www.delmarva.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/delmarvapower and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/delmarvaconnect. Our mobile app is available at www.delmarva.com/mobileapp .