Energy Saving Tips

Yesterday, we reached our peak load for 2012 at 3158.5 MW at about 5 p.m. This falls well short of our all-time peak of 3,533 MW that was set on August 15, 2007. We'll likely set another 2012 peak today between 4-6 p.m. That 4-6 p.m. time frame is a good one for people to employ energy conservation practices.

Tips to reduce the overall usage (also helps lessen utility bills):

At work:

1. Minimize use of the facilities' elevators. Please use the stairs.
2. Adjust window coverings (blinds) to allow day light into areas, if needed (re-adjust before leaving for the day).
3. Utilize workstation-task lighting, if needed (turn off before leaving for the day).
4. Turn off computers, monitors, peripheral and other equipment before leaving for the day.
5. Turn off area televisions.
6. Turn off lights in unoccupied offices, conference rooms, break rooms and other areas.

At home:

7. Get family members involved with making sure lights are turned off in unoccupied rooms.
8. Set your thermostat(s) at 78 degrees for the most energy efficient operation. Each degree below this setting adds 6% to your cooling costs. Use fans to move the air inside your home in order to make it feel cooler.
9. Draw the shades/blinds on the sunny-side of your house.
10. Use your programmable thermostat to automatically increase the temperature setting at bedtime. Sleep under lightweight bedding.
11. Where possible, unplug energy vampires such as appliances, electronics, etc. Turn off home office equipment.
12. Keep doors closed, and keep cool conditioned air inside.
13. Tell neighbors about these energy saving tips.