ATHENS-Athens Utilities General Manager Gary Scroggins said the system set a new peak today (Monday, Jan. 6) around 10 a.m. at 305 megawatts. The previous record was 291 megawatts.
“(The demand) then started backing off slightly to 276 megawatts,” Scroggins said.
“We expect the load to remain about the same until around 4 this afternoon, then begin increasing again. We will almost certainly set a new peak Tuesday morning.”
The system is stable and can handle the demand as long as there is no major issue with any equipment. Crews are on standby in case of any outages.
Tips for utility customers
Athens Utilities Customer Relations Manager Amy Golden asks that utility customers do the following to help keep the system stable during this period of below freezing temperatures:
Avoid activities that put more demand on the system, such as running dishwashers and washing machines.
If there is a power outage, turn off all lights and electrical heating sources.
When power returns, gradually bring items back online to help maintain the quality of the power system and avoid a greater demand on the system.
Water pipes
Athens Water/Wastewater Manager John Stockton said residents should leave a faucet dripping tonight to help prevent pipes from 
bursting.
“Leaving water dripping won’t necessarily stop pipes from freezing, but it will prevent them from bursting because it provides the pressure needed to move water through the pipes once it starts thawing,” Stockton said.
