Utility Commission Urges People to Save Electricity Tuesday

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is calling on consumers to conserve electricity on Tuesday. The request comes as bone-chilling cold has significantly increased the demand for electricity.

The request is the second one in the past month, which has featured several days with temperatures staying around zero degrees.

“As cold weather once again grips Pennsylvania and the northeast, conserving electricity will help ensure power supplies can continue to meet the significant demand,” said PUC Chairman Robert F. Powelson. “Again, we are asking residential consumers to do their part by postponing using appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines and dryers until the demand for electricity decreases.”

PJM Interconnection, the  electricity grid operator for more than 61 million people in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, is concerned about he load placed on the grid during extreme cold. During the last cold spell, PJM Interconnection reached an all-time winter peak for usage.

“We echo PJM’s call for all consumers to join in conserving electricity today, especially during peak times,” Powelson said.

Consumers are requested to take conservation steps between 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when demand is highest.

Simple conservation tips for residential consumers are below:

1. Set thermostats lower than usual, if health permits.
2. Postpone using major electric appliances such as stoves, dishwashers and clothes dryers until mid-day or after 9 p.m., when the demand for electricity decreases.
3. Turn off electric lights and appliances that you do not need or are not using.
4. Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.  This includes overhead doors on attached garages.
5. Seal off unused rooms.  Close the floor or wall registers and return air vents, and keep the doors closed in those areas.
6. Open south-facing window curtains, drapes and blinds during the day.  Close coverings at night to keep the heat in.

Along with running heat more due to the weather, the PUC tells consumers to expect higher-than-normal energy bills.