Winter Grid Conditions

October 1 - March 31

  • Look for ways to use less energy, and you'll save more on your electricity bill.
    • Set your heater 1-2° cooler than normal.
    • Money-saving thermostat settings:
      • 68° when you’re home in the daytime
      • 55° at night or when you’re away.
    • Save up to 5% by turning your electric water heater down 10° .
    • Avoid using large appliances between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m.
    • Run only full loads in your washing machine and dishwasher.
    • Use the cold water setting on your clothes washer.
    • Unplug electric devices you're not using.
    • Weatherize your home and seal air ducts.
    • Wrap your hot water tank with jacket insulation.
    • 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 Alert. We are currently experiencing greater usage levels that put us at risk of moving into power watch conditions. Please reduce your energy use between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m.
    • Between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m. (peak time):
      • Turn down your heat. Aim for 1-2° 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.
    • Money-saving thermostat settings:
      • 68° when you’re home in the daytime.
      • 55° at night or when you’re away.
    • Avoid using large appliances between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m.
    • 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 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m. (This peak time is like rush hour for electricity.)
    • Between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m. (peak time):
      • Turn down your heat. Aim for 1-2° 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.
    • Money-saving thermostat settings:
      • 68° when you’re home in the daytime.
      • 55° at night or when you’re away.
    • Avoid using large appliances between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m.
    • 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 heater to 68° or lower.
    • Limit your electricity usage to only necessary tasks. Turn off every light you can. Unplug appliances and electric devices that are not essential.
    • Avoid using appliances between 6 and 9 a.m. and 4 and 8 p.m. Do not use your dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer or and pool pumps. Do not use your hair dryer, coffee maker or other small home appliances.
    • Energy-saving thermostat settings:
      • 68° when you’re home in the daytime.
      • Open blinds and shades on sunny days to take advantage of natural warmth.
      • 55° at night or when you’re away.
    • 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 heater to 68° or lower.
    • 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.