Although summer doesn’t officially start until June 21, temperatures are already on the rise and many cooling systems are up and running. Eversource has been hard at work preparing the electric system for the traditional summer spike in electricity use and any potential seasonal storms that often come along with the heat. Thanks to ongoing system investments, the company is well-equipped to deliver safe, reliable electricity at a time when electricity use is highest because of increased use of air conditioners.
Eversource Energy is the new name of the former Yankee Gas and Connecticut Light and Power.
“We work year-round to make our electric system stronger and more reliable for our customers, especially during the summer months when demand for electricity is high,” said Steve Gilkey, Eversource Connecticut’s Vice President of Electric Field Operations. “Our job is to ensure our customers have the energy they need to live their lives and run their businesses, and we take that responsibility very seriously.”
Eversource is currently in the third year of its System Reliability Plan in Connecticut, a five-year major grid modernization project to strengthen its electric delivery system. The project includes installing new and stronger poles, wires and related system equipment as well as year-round tree trimming to reduce tree-related power outages. The company’s work also includes comprehensive ground, aerial and infrared inspections of the electric substations and transmission lines that play a critical role in meeting the increased summertime electricity use. These efforts have already helped to reduce the number and length of power outages and remain critical components of preparedness efforts for seasonal storms.
During this time of increased power use, Eversource offers these simple energy efficiency tips to help customers save energy and money.
- Keeping the heat out keeps the cool in – Sunlight shining in windows adds unwanted summer heat to homes, making it harder to keep it cool inside. Using blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun can help. Even without air conditioning, most homes will stay cooler if the windows and their coverings are closed during the hottest part of the day. Simply close them early and open them again when the outside temperature drops.
- Air conditioners work best in the shade – If possible, keep room air conditioners out of the sun. They run much more efficiently when kept shaded and cool. Installing one in a north-facing window is usually ideal.
- It’s a great time to cook outside – Cooking indoors inevitably heats up your home and makes your cooling system work harder, so opt for cooking outdoors instead. Aside from just grilling, today’s gas grills make great ovens, too. A closed grill lid and a properly adjusted temperature can result in a perfectly cooked meal.
- Keep air conditioner filter and coils clean – Clean the air conditioner filter and coils at least every three months. Dirty filters block air flow, reducing efficiency and making it harder to deliver the cool air.
- Use air conditioning and fans together to keep energy costs low – According to ENERGY STAR, setting your thermostat just two degrees higher than normal on hot days, coupled with using your ceiling fan, can lower air conditioning costs by up to 14 percent. You can also turn your ceiling fan blade pattern to the reverse setting to create a downdraft and “wind chill” effect that allows you to feel cooler regardless of the room temperature. Since ceiling fans only cool people and not the actual room, remember to turn them off when you leave.
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