Mon, Jun 27th 2011 12:05 pm
Simple
tips can help customers cut energy use as temperatures rise
One way to
make the lazy days of summer even more relaxing is to be ready for what the
weather will bring. National Grid
has prepared its New York system to help customers beat the heat and urges
customers to take steps to cut costs when the temperature rises.
"National
Grid's increased investment in the upstate New York electric system in recent
years directly supports our reliability during summer's peaks," said
Kenneth D. Daly, National Grid president for New York. "As the frequency
and length of customer outages continue to improve, National Grid recognizes
that ongoing investment in the system will provide our customers with the
service reliability they deserve."
The New
York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which operates and
conducts long-term planning for New York state's bulk electricity system, is
reporting that the state's electricity supplies should be adequate to meet
expected demand this summer. NYISO forecasts that New York's summer 2011 peak
usage will reach 32,712 megawatts. The forecast is 2 percent lower than the
2010 summer peak of 33,452 megawatts.
To help
meet demand during potential heat waves or unanticipated loss of supply,
National Grid has reinstated its successful "Summer Energy Watch" advisory
program. The advisory program alerts customers, primarily through the broadcast
media, of requests by NYISO for voluntary reductions in electricity use.
Weather is
a driving factor in increased demand for electricity. Summer heat is
responsible for electricity system peaks in New York as cooling demand from air
conditioners increases overall usage. While adequate summer supply is
forecasted, National Grid offers tips that can help customers to save money no
matter the weather.
Energy
and Money-Saving Tips for Customers
- Draw blinds, shades or drapes
to block the sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially on
south- and west-facing windows.
- Cool things down by
reducing the amount of heat generated in your home. Turn off lights when
they are not needed, and avoid cooking, bathing or washing clothes during
the hottest hours of the day.
- Summer is the
perfect time to reduce water
heater temperature since the days are warmer. Set the thermostat to 120
degrees or less for normal use, and lower the setting when away from home
for extended periods. For every 10-degree decrease in heater temperature,
energy use may be cut by 3 to 5 percent. Reduced
temperatures will also decrease the risk of scalding.
- Electric fans use
very little electricity -- costing approximately $9 to $11 per month for
continuous use - and can provide relief from the heat. In the morning and
evening, window fans are especially useful in moving cooler air from
outdoors into a home.
- Use the fan setting on the air
conditioner at night when the air outside is cooler, or open a window and
leave the air conditioner off. Keep windows and doors closed whenever the
air conditioner is on.
- Second refrigerators or
freezers cost up to $150 a year to run. Customers can recycle their old,
second refrigerator or freezer with National Grid's "Upstate New York
Residential Electric: Second Refrigerator Freezer Recycling Turn in
Program." National Grid workers will pick it up for free and give you a
$30 rebate. You'll save energy, money and help keep these materials out of
landfills. Visit www.powerofaction.com
to enroll online or call 1-877-691-0021
to schedule a pickup.
- Check your air
conditioner filter, and replace or clean it if clogged.
- The lower you set
your temperature on your air conditioner, the costlier it is to operate.
For example, a 75-degree setting will cost about 18 percent more than a
78-degree setting. Set the thermostat on your air conditioner as high as
comfort will permit.
- Use programmable
thermostats to optimize air conditioning systems. National Grid offers a $25 cash
rebate for each ENERGY STAR-rated or seven-day programmable thermostat
installed (maximum two per household). Visit www.powerofaction.com to enroll
online.
- Tighten your home's
"thermal envelope." If you have air conditioning, you can save electricity
by sealing everything that separates the inside of your home from the
outside. Check the caulking around windows and weather-stripping around
doors. Storm doors and storm windows actually can help keep cool air in
the home so your air conditioner doesn't have to work as hard.
- Qualified homeowners may reduce
their energy costs and increase a home's comfort by participating in the
Enhanced Home Sealing Incentives Program. Sealing a home's air
leaks will make a house more comfortable and cut year-round energy
use. These energy efficiency improvements will help heating and cooling
systems run more effectively. You can take advantage of this limited-time offer
and register for this program by calling 1-877-741-4330
or by emailing [email protected].
National Grid is an
international energy delivery company. In the U.S., National Grid delivers
electricity to approximately 3.3 million customers in Massachusetts, New
Hampshire, New York and Rhode Island, and manages the electricity network on
Long Island under an agreement with the Long Island Power Authority. It
is the largest distributor of natural gas in the northeastern U.S.,
serving approximately 3.4 million customers in Massachusetts, New Hampshire,
New York and Rhode Island. National Grid also owns more than 4,000 megawatts of
contracted electricity generation that provides power to more than a million
LIPA customers.