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August 2, 1999
Web posted at: 9:43 p.m. EDT (0143 GMT)

NEW YORK (CNN) -- This summer's brutal heat wave sent many people running indoors to find relief in the cooler air provided by air conditioners. That demand strained power systems, resulting in brownouts and blackouts.

Until they are suddenly without power, many Americans do not realize how many ways they use electricity during the day when they tune in, turn on and plug in.

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