Summer Grid Conditions

April 1 - September 30

  • Look for ways to use less energy, and you'll save more on your electricity bill.
    • Save up to 16% by turning up your AC 1-2° warmer.
    • Save up to 5% by turning your electric water heater down 10°.
    • Set your AC to 78° or higher between 3-7 pm. Use fans to feel 4-6° cooler.
    • Close blinds or drapes on windows that get direct sunlight.
    • Turn off lights when you leave the room.
    • Unplug TVs, computers, and other electrical devices when not in use.
    • Run only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
    • You may be able to save money by switching to another electric provider. Find out at www.powertochoose.org. Note: Choosing a different electric provider does not affect the reliability of your electric service. It has no effect on the frequency or duration of outages. And it won’t affect the time it takes to have your electric service restored if an outage occurs.

  • We are currently experiencing greater usage levels that put us at risk of moving into power watch conditions. Please reduce your energy use between 3 and 7 p.m. (This peak time is like rush hour for electricity.)
    • Between 3 and 7 p.m. (peak time):
      • Turn up your AC to 78° or higher. Use fans to feel 4-6° cooler.
      • Don't run your washer, dryer or dishwasher.
      • Turn your electric water heater down 10°.
      • Do not use your hair dryer, coffee maker or other small home appliances.
    • Turn off all unnecessary lights.
    • Unplug appliances and electronic devices that aren’t in use.
    • Close blinds or drapes on windows that get direct sunlight.
    • When you will be away from home for more than 4 hours, set your AC to 85°. Turn off all fans before you leave.
    • Use a microwave, outdoor grill, or slow cooker. In the summer, your stove and oven heat up the house. This makes your AC work harder.
    • Set your pool pump to run early in the morning or overnight.
    • You may be able to save money by switching to another electric provider. Find out at www.powertochoose.org. Note: Choosing a different electric provider does not affect the reliability of your electric service. It has no effect on the frequency or duration of outages. And it won’t affect the time it takes to have your electric service restored if an outage occurs.

  • Conservation Needed. Please reduce your energy use between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. (This peak time is like rush hour for electricity.)
    • Between 3 and 7 p.m. (peak time):
      • Turn up your AC to 78° or higher. Use fans to feel 4-6° cooler.
      • Don't run your washer, dryer or dishwasher.
      • Turn your electric water heater down 10°.
      • Do not use your hair dryer, coffee maker or other small home appliances.
    • Turn off all unnecessary lights.
    • Unplug appliances and electronic devices that aren’t in use.
    • Close blinds or drapes on windows that get direct sunlight.
    • When you will be away from home for more than 4 hours, set your AC to 85°. Turn off all fans before you leave.
    • Use a microwave, outdoor grill, or slow cooker. In the summer, your stove and oven heat up the house. This makes your AC work harder.
    • Set your pool pump to run early in the morning or overnight.
    • You may be able to save money by switching to another electric provider. Find out at www.powertochoose.org. Note: Choosing a different electric provider does not affect the reliability of your electric service. It has no effect on the frequency or duration of outages. And it won’t affect the time it takes to have your electric service restored if an outage occurs.

  • Conservation Critical. It is very important to use less energy right now. Working together, we can avoid electricity emergencies and rotating outages.
    • Set your AC to 80°. Use fans to feel 4-6° cooler.
    • Limit your electricity usage to only necessary tasks. Turn off every light you can. Unplug appliances and electric devices that are not essential.
    • Between 3 and 7 p.m. (peak time):
      • Don't run your washer, dryer or dishwasher.
      • Do not use your hair dryer, coffee maker or other small home appliances.
    • Close blinds or drapes on windows that get direct sunlight.
    • When you will be away from home for more than 4 hours, set your AC to 85°. Turn off all fans before you leave.
    • Use a microwave, outdoor grill, or slow cooker. In the summer, your stove and oven heat up the house. This makes your AC work harder.
    • If rotating outages are ordered, follow these tips:
      • Know that rotating outages are designed to be brief. However, they sometimes take longer if any equipment trips due to a power surge during the restoration process.
      • Minimize the chance of power surges by turning off all appliances, lights, and other electric devices. Leave one small light on so you’ll know when power has been restored.
      • Try not to drive unless your trip is necessary. During outages, traffic signals may be out of service.

  • Critical Conditions. Expect rotating, short-term outages to ensure the reliability of the grid.
    • Set your AC to 82°. Use fans to feel 4-6° cooler.
    • Immediately limit your electricity usage to only necessary tasks. Turn off every light you can. Unplug appliances and electric devices that are not essential.
    • Know that rotating outages are designed to be brief. However, they sometimes take longer if any equipment trips due to a power surge during the restoration process.
      • Minimize the chance of power surges by turning off all appliances, lights, and other electric devices. Leave one small light on so you’ll know when power has been restored.
      • Try not to drive unless your trip is necessary. During outages, traffic signals may be out of service.