Electric System Nears All-Time Record Peak Load

February 01, 2026

The City of Tallahassee's Electric Utility neared its all-time record peak load of 633 megawatts (MW) this morning, Feb. 1, at 9 a.m., hitting 617.46 MW. Today’s peak load is among the City’s top 5 peak loads of all time. Similarly to current conditions, the prior record peak load was set on January 11, 2010, during a sustained period of frigid winter weather. With extremely cold temperatures forecast to continue through the day into Monday morning, the Electric Utility is expected to surpass the 2010 peak load record.

The City’s power plants use state-of-the-art generating units that employ the most efficient technology in the industry and are designed to meet high loads, like the current peak demands.

This January was one of the coldest in decades in Tallahassee, with multiple rounds of freezing weather. Roughly one-third of January nights saw temperatures fall below 32°F in the area, according to the National Weather Service. Prolonged cold increases the amount of energy used to heat homes, which will result in higher-than-normal utility bills.

To help ease the financial burden increased utility usage may bring to some customers, the City of Tallahassee launched the Weather Relief Assistance Program (WRAP). Through the program, eligible residential electric, water or natural gas customers may spread the balance of either their January or February bill evenly over the next four utility bills. Get program details at Talgov.com/WRAP.

Customers are encouraged to be mindful of energy use during peak hours, which are generally in the early morning during winter (6-9 a.m.), while staying warm and safe. Below are proactive steps customers can take to help manage utility consumption, which can reduce the system’s load and, more importantly, reduce the shock of a higher-than-expected bill.

• Lower the temperature of your heat a few degrees during peak hours
• Put on a sweater, long pants and socks to stay warm instead of turning up the heat
• Cover drafty windows and doors
• Turn off pool heaters during peak hours
• Avoid charging electric vehicles during peak hours
• Reduce the use of hot water during peak periods, including the use of appliances like dishwashers and washing machines

Heating and cooling systems (HVAC) are typically the largest energy draws for a home and can account for roughly half of the annual energy consumption. The City offers a variety of grants, loans and rebates to help customers enhance energy conservation and efficiency and lower utility bills. For more information or to schedule a free energy audit, City Utility customers may contact customer service at 850-891-4968 or visit Talgov.com/YOU.