Tips from Edmond Electric to Beat the Summer Peaks
Simple Steps for Increasing Energy Efficiency
Most electric utility customers are interested in conserving energy and keeping the electric bills as low as possible during the summer months. With kids coming and going, cooking more meals, even the most efficiency-minded consumers can face challenges.
"Electricity 'peak' periods occur at times when electricity use in Edmond is highest. When a lot of people use power at the same time, the amount of electricity we produce or buy must increase to meet the demand," said Bob Corff, Edmond Electric's Energy Services Manager.
"Since electricity can't be stored, it must be produced on demand. During peak periods, normally between 3 pm and 8 pm, additional energy resources are required. These peak energy resources are more costly to operate which means increased energy costs. Peak load electricity is more expensive for us to provide," Corff said. "And that means power costs more for our customers, too.
Each of our homes uses more energy now than in the past. Air conditioners are much more common and many of us have computers and televisions in several rooms in our homes. There are some simple ways each of us can help reduce peak load on hot days and lower our utility costs."
- Run major appliances like the dishwasher and washing machine early in the morning or late at night, when air conditioners all over city aren't working as hard.
- Adjust your dishwasher so dishes dry without heat.
- Turn your air conditioner up to 78o or higher, and use a fan to circulate the cool air. Cooling costs are typically 60 percent of your total utility bill. For every degree you set the thermostat below 78 degrees, you use two percent to five percent more electricity.
- Turn off ceiling fans when rooms are unoccupied.
- Avoid using the stove or oven on hot days. Instead, use the microwave, grill outdoors or prepare a cold summer meal.
- Add insulation to your home. It's the most efficient way to control the amount of energy you need to keep your home cool.
- Apply weather-stripping or caulking around doors and windows so cool air can't leak outdoors.
- Clear outdoor air conditioning units and heat pumps of debris and shrubbery so they can work more efficiently.
- Change or clean your air conditioner's filter as recommended by the manufacturer. Dirty filters reduce efficiency by restricting airflow. Changing or cleaning your filter monthly can save an additional 10 percent to 20 percent in cooling costs.
- Close drapes or blinds during the day to keep heat-producing sunlight out.
- Close the damper on your fireplace.
- Unplug unnecessary electric appliances and equipment.
- Keep exterior doors closed as much as possible.
- Turn off unnecessary lights and switch off unwatched televisions.
- Dial down the electric water heater to no more than a 130o setting.
"Edmond Electric appreciates our customers' efforts to help us beat the peaks and avoid increased costs. In addition to short-term cost savings, conservation can reduce our long-term need for more power plants," Corff noted.
For information about Edmond Electric or more tips for energy efficiency, visit edmondelectric.com .
Issued: May 19, 2008
