Electricity demand sets new highs

Extreme June weather generated spikes in consumption of electricity in Northwest Montana.

According to Flathead Electric Cooperative analyst Wade Harris, the electric utility had higher electricity demand last month than any other June on record, according to preliminary data.

 Total electricity consumption was 113,198 megawatt-hours (17 percent above average) and demand peaked at a rate of 222 megawatts, 26 percent above average. That’s the highest peak demand ever recorded during a summer month.

The previous high came in June 2008 when the utility delivered 106,037 megawatt-hours, peaking at 201 megawatts.

The all-time consumption record for a summer month was set in July 2007. Consumers used 123,028 megawatt hours that month, although peak demand only reached 215 megawatts.

In an email, Harris added that the 15-year average for summer months is 101,323 megawatt hours.