"Hot and muggy weather and continuous heavy use of air conditioning remain the single largest factor affecting peak electricity demand in the summer, " Edward Schwerdt, president of the power coordinating council, told reporters on a conference call.

WSJ: NE power supply helped by conservation, efficiency

Stanway's traders are buying power in load blocks of 250 to 300 megawatts--enough current to keep the air-conditioning and lights on at more than 200 superstores, depending on the weather (and enough to power 250, 000 homes).

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