Imperial Irrigation District set a new record for peak electricity demand on Wednesday , August 4.

The one-hour peak reached 1,133 megawatts between 4 - 5 p.m. , that eclipses the previous record of 1,123 megawatts which occurred on August 14, 2020. The official high temperature in the Imperial Valley was 119 degrees. IID General Manager Henry Martinez said , " The system held well." IID met the Wednesday energy demand despite the loss of one generating unit. Additional stand-by mobile generators were available but were not needed. 

The district's Energy Alert remains in effect through Thursday evening as predicted high temperatures push the energy infrastructure. The IID asks customers to avoid using major appliances , charging electric vehicles and using applicable industrial equipment between the hours of 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Set thermostats to 78 degrees or higher and turn off all unnecessary lights. Floor and ceiling fans can help beat the heat.