Norwich Public Utilities Issues Power Alert

NORWICH, CT — Norwich Public Utilities has issued a power alert and is encouraging customers to voluntarily conserve energy for the next three days, as hot and humid conditions persist.

“While this summer has been relatively mild, given the recent weather, we have to ask our customers to help us get through the first heat wave of 2022,” Chris LaRose, General Manager at NPU, said in a statement. “By using energy wisely, customers can save money on their bill and reduce the likelihood of power outages over the next three days.”

The company expects to see a very high demand for electricity through the end of the week and is urging customers to use electricity wisely.

One reason for this is that the utility's annual costs for electricity is based on peak demand days, which are based on forecasts from ISO-New England that could take place on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday this week. By using energy efficiently for the next few days, customers can help keep overall electric costs lower throughout the year, according to the statement.

The company noted that conserving electricity will also minimize the impact on NPU’s infrastructure – transmission lines, distribution lines, and transformers.

This will allow the equipment to cool down faster in the early evening hours and overnight, helping improve overall reliability.

The utility company provided the following tips on how to conserve energy:

• Be smart about using an air conditioner. Only run a window unit when someone is home; NPU recommends setting a central AC system to 73 degrees or higher.
• Consider waiting until after 7:00 pm to use major appliances like a dishwasher or clothes dryer.
• Minimize the use of appliances or devices that generate heat before 7:00 pm – computers, curling irons, hairdryers, and televisions can all add to the heat in your home.
• Avoid using the oven for cooking and consider using a stove, microwave, or grilling outside.