NBU Declares “Energy Action Days” to Reduce Demand on State’s Electric Grid

New Braunfels Utilities declared today and Thursday “energy action days” and asks customers to conserve energy between the hours of 3 to 7 p.m.

In an email, NBU warned that temperatures in the mid-90s, coupled with high relative humidity predicted through the first half of next week, will increase demand on the state’s electric grid.

NBU suggests that customers keep their thermostats at 78 degrees and install programmable ones install timers on pool pumps; only turn on lights you need and switch to LED lights; prepare cold dishes that dont require ovens (salads and sanwiches) and use microwaves to reheat leftovers; line-dry clothing; locate and eliminate leaks (eg caulk or weather stripping); maximize energy efficiency of water heaters by setting them to 120 degrees and covering them with water-heater blankets; and leave the house on hot afternoons to enjoy new restaurants, library books and time in the park.

Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), which serves the Canyon Lake area, has not issued any statements about energy conservation today.

However, on its website, the electricity provider asks customers to take these actions during “peak heat” days this summer, defining “power rush hour” as 2 to 7 p.m.:

• Raise your thermostat setting a few degrees during peak hours and close shades to block some of the sun’s warmth.
• Pre-cool your home before 2 p.m. to stay comfortable while lowering demand during peak hours.
• Use fans to make the room feel four degrees cooler, but make sure to turn them off when leaving. Fans cool people, not rooms.
• Run washing machines and dryers in the morning or after 7 p.m. Washing in cold water and air-drying laundry also reduces demand.
• Run dishwashers outside of peak hours Do full loads and turn off the heat dry feature.
• Install a timer that turns water heaters off during hours you’re not likely to use hot water.

“We all know to avoid driving during rush hour if we can,” PEC said on its website. “As temeratures rise, so does the burden on the state’s electric grid.”

PEC said these tips also will help reduce electric bills.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), which manages the flow of electric power to more than 26 million Texas customers, did not issue an advisory today.