By Anne Prince
As temperatures rise and summer activities heat up, a reliable flow of electricity is essential to ensure Umatilla Electric Cooperative's members stay cool and connected.
Summer months bring some of the most extreme high temps, which means people will be spending more time indoors to avoid the heat, and air conditioners will be working overtime. This increased use of electricity will cause spikes in demand, also known as energy peaks. During peak times, UEC must work closely with our wholesale power provider to ensure a balanced supply of electricity is always available to meet our community’s energy needs.
The electric grid is essentially a giant network that connects power plants, utility poles, and power lines to homes and businesses across the country, throughout our state, and to our local communities. All parts of the network must work together to ensure the flow of electricity stays balanced 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When the electricity demand is higher than usual, power providers must ramp up electricity production––whether from hydropower, coal, natural gas, wind, solar, or other energy sources––and utilities will pay more for electricity produced during the peak. These higher prices along with the general increase in electricity use are why you typically see higher bills during the hottest months.
When our area experiences extreme summer heat and a higher electricity demand, you can help by conserving energy. It’s easy––just check the clock and avoid your energy-intensive activities and chores during peak hours.
When we all work together to reduce energy use during peak times, UEC can lock in lower electricity rates so everyone in our community saves. Conserving during peak times also eases pressure on the grid and helps balance the supply and demand of electricity.
There are many ways to lower your home energy use. Here are a few recommendations to help you save energy (and money) during the summer peak:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees higher. If you have a smart or programmable thermostat, adjust the settings so your cooling system syncs with the off-peak hours.
- Speaking of raising the thermostat, did you know ceiling fans can make you feel 4 degrees cooler? Operate ceiling or oscillating fans in occupied rooms to supplement your air conditioning. Be sure to raise the thermostat while fans are running for maximum energy savings. Remember, fans cool people (not homes), so turn them off when you leave the room.
- Plan energy-intensive activities like laundry and running the dishwasher for off-peak hours. Use automatic timers to run hot tubs, pool pumps, water heaters, and other appliances in the same way.
- Unplug electronics when they're not in use or use power strips to manage devices.
- Close drapes and blinds during the afternoon to block unnecessary heat from sunlight.
When we all work together to beat the summer peak, our entire community benefits. Saving energy during peak times reduces your bills, keeps electric rates lower for all, and relieves pressure on the grid.