PENSACOLA, Fla. - Aug. 9, 2007 - On Wednesday afternoon, Gulf Power Company customers purchased more electricity than ever before in the history of the company. As temperatures continue to rise throughout Northwest Florida and customers crank up their air conditioning, Gulf Power is prepared to meet the increased demand for electricity.

"Gulf Power plans well ahead to meet this high level of electricity demand," said John Hutchinson, Gulf Power's general manager of Public Affairs. "We work with all the Southern Company utilities to ensure we are able to meet our customers' increasing demand for electricity so that we avoid outage problems like we've seen in other parts of the country."

All across the Southeast, many utilities are seeing record-setting demands for electricity. Gulf Power customers passed the previous peak demand of 2,537 megawatts set on July 10 this year. Southern Company utilities – which include Gulf Power, Alabama Power, Georgia Power and Mississippi Power – set a peak for the third straight day today.

"Although we have some of the lowest prices in the country, we know the heat drives up customers' bills," Hutchinson said. "We work with customers who have trouble paying for their electricity, and while the temperature is above 95 degrees, we don't turn anyone's electricity off."

To help customers, Gulf Power offers several plans including Budget Billing that helps to even out the high bills over time.

Customers also have the choice of a premium plan – Flat Bill – that is customized for each household and determines a fixed monthly price.

Gulf Power also offers many programs and advice to help customers manage their electricity use. For more details, call 800-225-5797 or go online.

Here is a summary of a few energy conservation programs:

• Energy audits of homes or businesses are free and point out energy-saving tips ranging from weather stripping to insulation to appliance purchase.
• GoodCents Select, the nation's first home energy management system, that allows our customers to purchase electricity at reduced rates during the periods when demand for electricity is lower.
• GoodCents Home, energy efficient building recommendations developed by Gulf Power and offered by hundreds of utilities nationwide.
• Customers can request a free copy of the Energy Solutions book which is packed with helpful information -- anything from how to be more energy efficient in your kitchen to checking your home for adequate insulation. All of those tips, and much more detailed information also can be found at online in our Energy Tips section, along with an extensive set of Frequently Asked Questions on energy use in the home.

Energy tips:

• Air conditioning is the biggest use of electricity. Set thermostats at 78 degrees.
• Clean or replace air filters monthly, and have air conditioners serviced regularly.
• Use fans and ceiling fans to circulate the air; a fan can make a room at 78 degrees feel like 72 degrees.
• Water heating is the second biggest electricity cost.
• Wash clothes and dishes during coolest part of day.
• Take shorter showers or baths.
• Use a hot water wash only on clothing that requires hot water, and always use a cold water rinse.
• Use your clothesline on sunny days. Sunshine is free.
• Keep your refrigerator's temperature between 37 and 40 degrees and your freezer’s setting at 0 degrees. These settings are recommended by the Food and Drug Administration and will prevent rapid bacterial growth.
• Cook with covers on pans, and use the microwave instead whenever possible.
• Use exhaust fans to remove excess heat and moisture in the bathroom and kitchen. Use fans no more than 15 minutes at a time.
• Keep in-and-out traffic to a minimum. Open doors let in heat.
• Use ventilated awnings, solar screens and other shading devices.
• Repel excess heat by using light-colored blinds, shades and draperies on the sunny side of the house. Make sure draperies are insulated or lined.