TOWN NOTICE: Electric Load Management

Electric Load Management is called when the demand for electricity is expected to be high. High electricity demand can occur during very hot or very cold weather, when homes and businesses are using high amounts of electricity at the same time.

When Electric Load Management is called, you can help decrease the demand by using less energy during peak demand times, which are typically from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.to 10 p.m. – though subject to change. If customers use less energy during times of peak demand, we can spread demand more evenly on the network, reduce the cost of providing energy and reduce the amount of greenhouse gases generated.

Following are a few ways to help reduce electricity usage during Electric Load Management:

Step 1: Sign up to receive alerts. You can receive alerts via email or text, or you can like/follow us on Facebook. We will make every attempt to send an alert 24 hours prior to Load Management.=

Step 2: When Electric Load Management is called in the winter, use less electricity during the designated times

In the winter, consider lowering your thermostat to 68 degrees and avoid using space heaters.

Shift household chores, like doing laundry or using the dishwasher, to non-peak hours.

Turn off lights and electronics that are not in use, and unplug things like cellphone chargers and coffee makers.

Up to 25 percent of heat and air is lost through small cracks and holes. Seal air leaks in ducts, walls, windows and doors, and close fireplace dampers when not in use.