By AP
Oklahoma City, OK – Electricity demand breaks records in Oklahoma
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) Oklahoma's heat wave isn't just breaking temperature records, it's also causing electricity demand to reach all-time highs.
Oklahoma Gas and Electric says electricity consumption reached 6,835 megawatts on Wednesday, more than the 6,642 megawatts reported on July 18.
Public Service Company of Oklahoma also reported that demand for electricity reached 4,277 megawatts on Wednesday, topping the previous record of 4,200 megawatts set on Aug. 4, 2008.
Officials for both utility companies say there is enough power to meet the increased demand, but OG&E spokesman Brian Alford says the heat wave is taking a toll on employees and equipment.
OG&E serves about 790,000 customers in Oklahoma and western Arkansas. PSO has more than 530,000 customers in eastern and southwestern Oklahoma.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.