Record-High Electricity Usage for AEP SWEPCO Customers

Electricity usage has increased along with the temperatures -- and that typically means higher electric bills. AEP-SWEPCO has so far seen four new peak loads this summer alone across its three-state service area. Spokesman Scott McCloud says outages during the heat don't happen too often...but they do happen. He says there are ways to minimize your electricity usage...like running the dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer during the cooler parts of the day -- early morning and late afternoon. You can also turn off any unnecessary lighting between 1 and 6 p.m. McCloud says there is help available to those who are struggling to pay their bills, and no one's power will be cut off, at least through this week.