When outdoor temperatures soar, our electricity use increases. That’s because our air conditioners are running longer and more often to counteract sweltering outdoor temperatures. Factor in that we tend to use electricity at the same times—in the morning and early evenings—and that equals a lot of strain on our electric grid.
Escambia River Electric Cooperative works closely with PowerSouth, our local generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative, in resource and infrastructure planning to ensure you have the power you need whenever you flip a switch. However, the electric grid is much larger than your local co-op and G&T.
In summer months, when more electricity is being used simultaneously across the country, it’s possible for electricity demand to exceed supply, especially if a prolonged heat wave occurs. If this happens, the grid operator for our region may call on consumers to reduce their energy use or initiate rolling power outages to relieve pressure on the grid. EREC will always keep you informed about situations like this.
We work proactively with our G&T to create a resilient portion of the grid and ensure electric reliability in extreme weather. Our efforts include regular system maintenance, grid modernization efforts, and disaster response planning. However, it takes everyone to keep the grid reliable.
Here are a few steps you can take to relieve pressure on the grid so you, your family, and neighbors can all keep your air conditioners running.
- Select the highest comfortable thermostat setting and turn it up several degrees whenever possible. Your cooling system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temperature and the outdoor temperature.
Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your cooling system to work harder than necessary. - Run major appliances—such as dishwashers, ovens, and dryers—during off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is lower.
Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed. - Use ceiling fans to make yourself feel a few degrees cooler. Remember, ceiling fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off in unoccupied rooms.
Pro tip: During summer months, set ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down for a wind chill effect. - Close blinds, curtains, and shades during the hottest part of the day to block unwanted heat gain from sunlight.
Pro tip: Consider blackout curtains with thermal backing or reflective lining. - Use smaller appliances—such as slow cookers, air fryers, and toaster ovens—to cook.
Pro tip: Studies have shown that air fryers use about half the amount of electricity as a full-sized oven. Air fryers are smaller and use focused heat, which results in faster cooking times, less heat output, and lower energy use.
As we face the challenges posed by soaring summer temperatures, understanding the impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply. By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme heat, you can save money on your electric bills and contribute to the resilience of the grid, keeping our community cool and connected.
5 Ways to Reduce Use During Extreme Heat
During periods of extreme heat, the demand for electricity can skyrocket, placing additional strain on the grid. By working together to lower our electricity use, we can reduce pressure on the grid.
- Raise your thermostat setting a few degrees higher than usual. Every degree can reduce cooling energy consumption.
- Cook with smaller appliances to save energy and reduce heat gain in the kitchen.
- Keep blinds, curtains, and shades closed during the hottest part of the day to block direct sunlight.
- Use fans to circulate air, which can make you feel cooler without needing to lower the thermostat.
- Shift activities that require a lot of energy consumption to off-peak hours when demand is lower.