How winter weather impacts reliability
When outdoor temperatures drop, our electricity use increases. That’s because we’re doing more activities inside, and our heating systems are running longer and more often to counteract colder outdoor temperatures. Factor in that we all tend to use electricity at the same times — in the mornings and early evenings — and that equals a lot of strain on our electric grid.
To help keep the heat on for you, your family and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to lower your energy usage (and save a little money along the way):
- Select the lowest comfortable thermostat setting, and turn it down several degrees whenever possible, especially when away from home. Your heating system must run longer to make up the difference between the indoor thermostat temp and the outdoor temp. Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your heating system to work harder than necessary.
- Stagger your use of major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers. Pro tip: Start the dishwasher before you go to bed, and use smaller countertop appliances like slow cookers and air fryers to save energy.
- Ensure that your heating system is optimized for efficiency with regular maintenance and proper insulation. Pro tip: Make sure your filter isn’t clogged and dirty. Replace it as needed.
- When possible, use cold water to reduce water heating costs. Pro tip: Setting your water heater thermostat to 120 degrees can help you save energy and reduce mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes.
- Unplug devices when not in use to eliminate unnecessary energy use. Even when turned off, electronics in standby mode consume energy. Pro tip: Plug devices into a smart power strip so you can turn them all off at once with the push of a button.
As we face the challenges posed by winter weather, understanding its impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply. By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme cold, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also each contribute to the resilience of the power grid, keeping our local community warm and connected.
