Energy smart tips are good for lower bills

Heat wave set records for both temperature, power demand

The heat wave this week is setting records. In fact, according to a press release from APS, energy consumers set an all-time record peak demand of approximately 7,350 megawatts of energy consumed between 5 and 6 p.m. Tuesday, eclipsing a record of 7,236 megawatts set in 2006.

As we all experienced Tuesday, the heat was intense, with the high temperature in Yuma reaching 120 degrees, breaking the record for that date.

Setting a record for both electricity demand and temperature isn’t surprising, as the two tend to go hand in hand.

But what’s worrisome is the fact that summer has only just begun. And while the heat may not be as intense as it was Tuesday, it isn’t going back down into the 80s any time soon, either.

It’s important to find ways to reduce one’s need for power, which is beneficial on two levels. First, it lowers the demand and strain on the power grid, which in turn helps maintain the system’s reliability. But the second level may resonate more with consumers — using less power means a smaller power bill, and in turn, less of a hit on one’s wallet.

And when we hit the peak season of summer demand (and peak season electric bills!), every kilowatt saved is important.

There are some steps people can take to help reduce that demand.

First, adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. Or, get a smart thermostat and program it to be warmer while you are out of the house, and cooler once you return.

Also, avoid using major appliances during the peak early evening. That means holding off on running the washer, dryer or dishwasher until later when the demand is less.

And speaking of appliances, take a look at your hot water heater. If it’s an electric one, do you really need it set to super hot right now? After all, the water comes out of the tap naturally warm right now. Turn that thermostat down 10 or 20 degrees.

It’s also helpful to replace old lightbulbs with more energy efficient LED bulbs, and plug energy-vampire electronics into a power strip that can be turned off when not needed.

But the best step is the easiest of all — turn off those lights and devices when they aren’t in use!

These small steps are just a few ways that can translate to savings.

DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS OR NOT?

Something is definitely wrong with our government systems. What exactly did the wage increase do for our society? I know that prices went up at the grocery stores, fast food eateries, etc.

Employees are quitting their jobs because now they are earning “too much” money which places them in a category by which they are being denied the freebies they have been receiving. Yet, they choose to sit back and enjoy the smart TV, cellphones, etc.

In the meantime, the hard working middle class and retirees are supporting these systems.

I am humbly willing to help those in need but definitely not in these situations.

A recent cartoon in the Yuma Sun depicted Satan claiming higher ground than religion.

Anthropocentric religion distorts the nature and character of God to their own limited perspective, thereby becoming a tool of Satan rather than an enemy.