For the fourth time this year, demand for electricity across Savannah Electric’s service area set new record highs.

Peak demand for electricity averaged 846 megawatts between 3 and 4 p.m. EDT Wednesday, July 1, 1998, breaking the record set June 4, 1998, by approximately 2 megawatts.

Reviewing operations for the month of June, monthly energy usage was at an all-time high at 430,308 MWH, some 30 percent above the same period last year. The previous monthly record was 413,443 MWH, set in July 1997.

The Company is monitoring the situation closely, however, it does not anticipate problems serving the demand at this time. Savannah Electric always encourages the wise use and conservation of energy. Customers should check that air conditioning units are operating efficiently and that filters are cleaned monthly. When convenient, delaying use of large appliances and equipment such as ovens, dishwashers, clothes washers, and dryers until after 7 p.m. may further ease the burden on air conditioning units. This can improve comfort levels as well as help avoid new peaks.

Savannah Electric is a subsidiary of Southern Company. Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is the largest producer of electricity in the United States and is the parent firm of Alabama Power, Georgia Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power and Savannah Electric. Savannah Electric serves 125,000 customers in a five-county area of Southeast Georgia including Chatham, Effingham, Bulloch, Bryan, and Screven.