With extreme heat expected to extend into the weekend, the Marblehead Light Department is urging residents to help control the cost of purchasing energy by reducing their discretionary energy use between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., which could help homeowners save money on future electric bills.
When electricity demand reaches its highest levels, typically between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. in New England, the cost of purchasing power from the regional grid rises significantly, the Light Department explained. Those peak demand periods also play an important role in determining a portion of the costs utilities pay in future years, it added.
“While MMLD cannot control wholesale energy prices, we can work together to reduce demand during those critical hours,” it noted.
The Light Department’s suggestions to reduce energy use during peak times include:
- Pre-cool your home. If you’re comfortable, cool your home before 4 p.m., then adjust your A/C by just 2 degrees between 4 and 8 p.m.
- Grill outdoors. Skip the oven and fire up the grill instead. Cooking outside keeps extra heat out of your home and saves on electric demand.
- Save energy-intensive chores for later. Run your dishwasher, washer, dryer, or charge your electric vehicle after 8 p.m. whenever possible.
“Even small actions such as closing the blinds or shutting down an idle laptop computer can make a meaningful difference,” the Light Department said.
The Light Department added that it is not asking anyone to sacrifice their comfort.
“These are simply small adjustments that, when made by many customers, can make a meaningful difference during periods of high demand,” it said.
For updates and additional information, see the Light Department’s website and Facebook page.
