Wednesday did not break Colorado Springs Utilities’ record for hourly power demand, but the utility is seeing record interest in a rewards program in which customers agree to raise their thermostats in exchange for a rebate.

Colorado Springs broke its temperature record for June 17 with a high of 98 degrees Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Some speculated that the heat could also cause the city to break its record for hourly power demand. The record, set in July 2024, saw Utilities customers using around 1,010 megawatts of power per hour. The power demand on Wednesday peaked at just under 1,000 megawatts.

The utility’s power generators were ready to handle the high demand, said Alex Baird, Utilities fuel and power general manager. The maximum peak in power demand often happens in July when there have been several hot days in a row.

“So if it’s four days in a row that are all 90 degrees and you get that (buildup) of heat and it doesn’t cool down at night, that is when we expect to see that all-time peak,” Baird said.

Wednesday’s peak power demand was still within the maximum load that Colorado Springs’ electrical system is designed to handle. Utilities provides suggestions and tips for residents to cool their homes while using less power.

One option that is seeing growing public interest is the Peak Energy Rewards Program for homes and businesses that use a smart thermometer. The program provides customers a $50 rebate in exchange for allowing Utilities to remotely control their thermostat between May 1 and Sept. 30.

Through the program, Utilities can adjust the temperature by up to four degrees during the hours of peak electric demand. Customers receive an additional $25 bill credit each year they stay in the program.

Around 12,900 devices are enrolled in the program and 4,234 allowed the utility to take over on Wednesday, Utilities spokesperson Danielle Nieves said. The coordinated change in cooling resulted in at least 10 MW of reduced demand on the power grid.

“We are asking customers, where possible and when they can, to take some small steps because it does all add up and it does help us,” Nieves said.