Managing Energy Usage During Extreme Heat Can Help Reduce Strain on Region's Power Grid

The high temperatures and humidity in the summer can result in peak demand on New England’s electricity supply, especially during extreme heat, which can have air conditioners and fans working overtime.

In response, we can all take steps to reduce our energy use during peak usage times, generally from 4-8 p.m. The recommended actions below will help reduce the strain on the region’s power grid, lower electricity costs, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The City’s Department of Public Works gets daily notifications from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), with data on projected grid usage and the risk that peak demand on the electric grid could occur that day.

Things you can do to manage energy usage this summer:

• Setting air conditioners as warm as comfort allows

• Turning off air conditioning and fans in unoccupied areas.

• Keeping air vents clear of obstructions

• Closing blinds to keep out the sun’s heat

• Operating major appliances during cooler parts of the day. Energy can be conserved by using appliances like washers and dryers early morning or late evening when there is less demand on the electric system

• Turning off lights anywhere they are not critical and dim others if possible.

• Unplugging any phone/laptop and other device chargers from outlets to reduce the plug load.
  

Please do your part this week and every week to help as we work to reduce the peak load.  Together we can make an impact!

For more information on energy saving programs, including a utility bill helpline, visit Cambridgeenergyalliance.org.