News Release

 
FAST FACTS

Highest demand for power on the PNM system last year: 1,948 megawatts* on July 2, 2012 at 5 p.m.

The lowest demand for power last year: 796 megawatts on Oct. 15, 2012 at 3 a.m.

Demand is highest between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the summer and 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. in the winter.

Demand is lowest between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. year round.

Check out PNM.com, energy.gov and energystar.gov for more ways to save.

* A watt is a measure of the rate of energy use or production, as in a 60-watt light bulb. A megawatt equals one million watts. A 40-megawatt power plant could power about 25,000 homes during peak use.

PNM Tips for Cooling Summer Electric Bills

Albuquerque: Demand for electricity on the PNM system is highest during the summer cooling season.

A typical family that uses cooling can expect to see that higher use reflected in their summer bills, but PNM offers tips to manage summer energy use and bills:

  • Know what to expect. Check your current electric bill to understand how your electricity use changes from month to month. If you recently moved into a new apartment or home, PNM can give you the average monthly electric cost or the highest and lowest electric utility costs for that location.
  • Clean or replace the filter on your air conditioner now and every month or two during the cooling season to keep it running efficiently. If you use an evaporative cooler, replace the pads now. Drain and clean it regularly to remove the build-up of sediment and minerals. (Disconnect the electricity to the unit before servicing it.)
  • Turn your thermostat as high as comfort allows to keep bills lower. Feel cooler by using a fan to keep air moving.
  • Spread your electric bill payments evenly throughout the year with PNM Budget Billing.

With headquarters in Albuquerque, PNM is the largest electricity provider in New Mexico, serving 500,000 customers in dozens of communities across the state. PNM is a subsidiary of PNM Resources, an energy holding company also headquartered in Albuquerque. For more information, visit PNM.com.