Progress Energy Florida customers set a new summer peak-demand record for power use Monday afternoon.

Between 4 and 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 20, Progress Energy's 1.7 million customers in Florida used an estimated 9671 MWh of electricity, eclipsing the previous summer record of 9406 MWh, set Aug. 16, 2005.

Progress Energy anticipates continued high demand for several days, as high temperatures are expected through Wednesday, with little chance of rain. The company expects to have enough electricity to meet demand this week.

"Hot, dry weather increases the demand for energy, and we are working to ensure a reliable power supply," said Jeff Lyash, president and CEO of Progress Energy Florida. "Our system is operating as designed, and we don't anticipate any issues meeting demand, but we always encourage our customers to be as energy-efficient as possible. We recommend our customers take some simple, easy steps to reduce energy use, which also can help save money on their bills."

The company generates power at 14 sites in Florida, using a diversified fuel mix of nuclear, coal, natural gas and oil. Progress Energy will complete its fourth natural gas-fired unit at the Hines Energy Complex in Polk County later this year.