Mays Landing, N.J. - Atlantic City Electric for the second day set an unofficial new peak demand for electricity use yesterday as the soaring temperature and high humidity force customers to rely on air conditioning for relief.

Tuesday's record peak of 2,925 was surpassed at 4 p.m. Wednesday, August. 2. The new, unofficial peak total is 2,970 megawatts. One megawatt of electricity is enough to power about 800 to 1,000 homes. On an average summer day, Atlantic City Electric customers use approximately 1,800 megawatts. The new peak won't be determined official until later in the week, but in the meantime, with one more day of high temperatures forecast, it could be overtaken again.

While power supply is adequate, Atlantic City Electric is continuing to ask customers to use energy wisely, especially during peak usage hours between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Atlantic City Electric 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.

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Atlantic City Electric, a public utility owned by Pepco Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: POM), provides safe, reliable and affordable regulated electric delivery services to more than 500,000 customers in southern New Jersey .