SRP: Extreme heat a factor in record energy demand Tuesday

PHOENIX (KSAZ) - Officials with the Salt River Project (SRP) said Wednesday they have delivered a record amount of energy to customers in the Phoenix area on Tuesday.

According to a statement, the power company delivered an estimated retail peak demand of 7,252 megawatts between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., topping its previous record of 7,219 megawatts that was set on June 20, 2017.Officials said extreme daytime temperatures, higher overnight temperatures and an increase in SRP electric customers contributed to strong customer demand.

According to National Weather Service Phoenix, the high on Tuesday reached a record-breaking 116°F (about 46.67°C). Meanwhile, the high on June 20, 2017 was 119°F (48.33°C), which also broke a record.

According to SRP officials, one megawatt has enough energy to power about 225 average homes.