NPU: Despite heat, save power for good of all

Utility issues alert, asks customers to conserve energy, offers tips

Norwich — As excessive heat and humidity continues in large sections of the country and across the state, Norwich Public Utilities (NPU) has issued a Power Alert and encourages customers to voluntarily conserve energy for the next two days.

“Today and tomorrow are going to be extremely warm so we’re asking customers to be mindful about how they use electricity,” NPU General Manager Chris LaRose said in a news release. “By using energy wisely, customers can save money on their bill and reduce the impact on our equipment over the next few days.”

NPU expects to see very high demand for electricity through the end of the week and is urging customers to use electricity wisely in the days ahead, because a portion of NPU’s annual costs for electricity are tied to peak demand days.

Peak demand days, based on forecasts from ISO-New England, could occur this week.

By using energy efficiently for the next few days, NPU customers can help keep overall electric costs lower throughout the year.

Reducing energy usage during high-demand periods also reduces strain on utility infrastructure, allowing critical equipment to cool faster in the early evening hours and overnight, NPU officials said, helping improve overall reliability.

NPU listed steps to conserve electricity with little or no impact on comfort. These tips include:

■ Only run a window unit when someone is home. NPU recommends setting a central AC system to 72 degrees or higher.

■ Wait until after 8 p.m. to use major appliances like a dishwasher or clothes dryer and minimize using other appliances and devices that generate heat until after 8 p.m. Computers, curling irons, hair dryers and TVs add to the heat in a home.

■ Avoid using the oven to cook. Consider using a stove, microwave, or grilling outside.

■ Install energy-efficient lighting that runs much cooler than traditional lighting. Only about 10%-15% of the electricity that incandescent lights use results in light. The rest is turned into heat.

■ Use window coverings to minimize heat coming into a home or business.

“The extreme weather in the summer can be just as dangerous as a winter storm, so we’re asking our customers to keep an eye out on their friends and neighbors, especially the elderly,” LaRose said in the news release. “Public health and public safety go hand in hand, particularly during a heat wave.”