Growth points to importance of efficiency and balance in meeting future demands

ASHEVILLE (Feb. 1, 2008) --Just one month into 2008, Progress Energy Carolinas customers in Western North Carolina have already set three all-time regional peak-demand records for electricity use since the year began.

Customers set new records for the region on the mornings of Jan. 21, Jan. 25 and Jan. 28. Temperatures at the time of the record-breaking demand ranged from single digits to low teens. Customers in Progress Energy's central and eastern Carolinas service area did not set records on those days.

"Our temperatures in Western North Carolina have been seasonally cold, but by no means record cold, and yet customer electricity usage has topped record levels three times," said Robert Sipes, vice president for Progress Energy Carolinas Western Region, headquartered in Asheville. "This points yet again to the critical need to focus on energy efficiency as part of a balanced strategy for meeting the energy needs of the region."

Progress Energy is developing energy-efficiency programs and has engaged a cross-functional group of regional leaders, the Community Energy Advisory Council (CEAC), to work together to increase energy-efficiency and help in ensuring a balanced energy future for the region.

The company's www.savethewatts.com Web site and corresponding advertising and communication programs provide a wealth of information on energy-saving opportunities for homeowners.

Energy demand continues to increase in Western North Carolina and across Progress Energy service area. Household use of electricity, on average, has increased about 50 percent in the last three decades, due to growth in the average size of homes and increased use of electronics in daily life.

"We are committed to helping our customers use energy wisely -- not just when it's very cold or very hot, but every day of the year," said Martha Thompson, Progress Energy's community relations manager. "The most efficient kilowatt-hour of energy is the one that is not used."

Progress Energy offers these tips for cold-weather energy conservation:

• Keep the thermostat on your heating system at the lowest comfortable setting. If you are going to be away for several days, turn the thermostat to a lower setting, but not to "Off." A sudden frigid snap could cause your pipes to freeze and burst.
• Check filters at least monthly and clean or change them as needed. Dirty filters can increase operating costs by 20 percent and can damage equipment.
• Caulk any space around windows and other places where air leaks to prevent cold drafts and heat escape.
• Use exhaust fans sparingly in winter. Heat and moisture from bathing and cooking contribute heat to your home. But don't use the oven to heat a room.
• If your home has a fireplace, be sure the damper fits tightly, and close it when the fireplace is not in use. Add a glass fireplace screen.
• Cover bare floors. Carpeting adds to comfort and heat retention, especially if there is little or no floor insulation.
• If possible, remove window air conditioning units in winter. Otherwise, install an inexpensive air conditioner cover to stop drafts coming through the vents.
• Use ceiling fans in winter to distribute heat around the room. Reverse the direction of the fan blades from that used for summer cooling.
• Use insulated or heavy curtains on windows facing the north side of the house. Keep curtains and shades closed at night and on cloudy days.
• For heat pump users, set the thermostat to a constant setting and leave it there, and make sure drapes and furniture are not blocking air registers or returns.
• Keep the oven, the refrigerator and other appliances clean. Clean equipment runs more efficiently.
• Use microwave ovens whenever possible. They use less than half the power of a conventional oven.
• Defrost frozen food by placing it in the refrigerator overnight. This helps cool the refrigerator so it won't run as much.
• Whenever possible, wash full loads in the dishwasher and clothes washing machine, rather than partial loads.
• Take short showers instead of tub baths and install a flow restrictor or energy-saving shower head.
• Look for EnergyGuide labels on most major home appliances. The more efficient models save you money in the long run.

Progress Energy's balanced strategy includes increased energy efficiency, investments in renewable and alternative energy sources and state-of-the-art power plants.

In addition to the savethewatts Web site, the company provides information on efficiency programs and other ways for customers to save energy and money at www.progress-energy.com.