ComEd Hits Record For Demand, System Stressed

CHICAGO (CBS) – As the temperatures soared well into the 90s for the fifth straight day, ComEd reported that customer demand hit an all-time record.

The utility reported demand hit 23,753 megawatts late Wednesday, topping the previous record of 23,618 on Aug. 1, 2006.

The combination of increased usage and extreme heat places substantial demands on the electric grid, which the utility said was "stressed" but performing well.

The demand comes one week after the utility was smacked by a storm that left over 850,000 customers without power--the second-highest ever. It took six days to restore full service.

ComEd said it is taking important steps to ensure power, including:

• Keeping its Emergency Operations Center and regional emergency operations centers open;
• Putting more than 350 crews in the field to monitor the system;  and
• Increasing inspections of critical infrastructure, such as substations.

If customers experience an outage or have any questions about their ComEd service, they are urged to call 1-800-EDISON-1