Watch for “Beat the Peak” Conservation Level

“Beat the Peak” conservation level appears on our website homepage. The three levels of conservation activity are: Green (Normal), Yellow (Elevated) and Red (Significant). Based on the projected electricity usage and the cost of producing electricity, an appropriate level of conservation will be recommended. Just scroll down to the corresponding level that is displayed on our homepage, and view the recommended conservation measures.

"Beat the Peak" activity levels are determined by the projected demand for electricity, the anticipated cost of power production and local weather forecasts. Activity levels are based on the best available data at the time of its release. Power grid conditions and weather are subject to change without warning.

There are savings to be had and even little steps, if everyone joins in, can make a big difference.

Beat the Peak! Proceed With Normal Conservation

• Set your heat thermostat one or two degrees lower. You can save 6-8% for each degree the thermostat is set below the recommended 70 degrees in winter and 78 degrees in summer.
• Turn off lights, appliances and electronic equipment when not in use.
• Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when fully loaded.
• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent lights.
• Use dimmers, motion sensors, or timing devices on appropriate light fixtures.
• If possible consider installing a timer on the electric water heater and only running it for two hours a day.

Beat the Peak! Elevated Conservation Recommended From 7 to 10, Morning and Night.

Extra conservation is recommended. Along with Normal Conservation, consumers are asked to consider these additional steps, especially during the peak power time frames for winter and summer months.

• Avoid using electricity, especially large appliances during peak power usage hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during the winter months, and 2 p.m.to 6 p.m. in summer months.
• Set heating thermostats at 68 degrees or lower and air conditioning at 80 degrees or higher, if health permits.
• Run your dishwasher and laundry equipment during non-peak hours.
• Operate swimming pool pumps during non-peak hours.

Beat the Peak! Significant Conservation Recommended from 7 to 10 Morning & Night

Red Power Day is the highest level of voluntary conservation and occurs usually when extreme weather conditions cause a significant increase in power consumption.

• Turn off all non-essential electrical needs, especially during the peak electrical usage hours of 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during winter months, and 2 p. m. to 6 p.m. during summer months.
• Adjust your heating thermostat to a minimum 68 degrees or lower and air conditioning 80 degrees or higher, if health permits.
• If you plan to be away from home, lower your heating thermostat to 55 degrees or raise air conditioning to 85 degrees or higher.
• Prepare food on outdoor grills or select foods that do not require electricity to prepare (sandwiches, cold cuts, etc.).
• Turn electrical breaker off to the water heater, especially during peak electrical consumption hours of 7a.m. to 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. during winter months, and 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. during summer months.