Conserve Power During Heatwave: Utility Officials

Because of the blazing temperatures and steamy humidity, O&R has issued a Heat Advisory for Wednesday. The utility issues its own Heat Advisory if the electric demand is predicted to peak over 1,500 megawatts for the day, or if the heat index is forecast to reach over 100 degrees for two days or more.

On Wednesday, O&R field crews will be focusing primarily on emergency work, with scheduled work being performed as system conditions permit. (Sign up for Patch news alerts to get weather updates straight to your inbox.)

O&R engineers and system operators will be closely monitoring the loads on distribution circuits, transformer banks and other key system components to detect any heat-related issues.

Spot checks will be made of potentially high-load circuits and transformers will be pre-loaded on trucks at O&R operations centers to expedite their placement in the field if needed. O&R also will institute load reduction measures at its own facilities.

Here are cool tips:

• Turning down or turning off air conditioning in your home while you are away or at work helps lower your energy bill.

• Setting your air conditioner to the highest temperature your comfort and health allow. Every degree you lower the thermostat raises your bill by 6 percent.
• Adjusting your air conditioner’s fan to a low setting can make you more comfortable. It’ll take longer for the air conditioner to cool your home, but your unit will bring in steamy air at a slower rate.
• If you have already received a new smart meter, you can take advantage of viewing your detailed energy usage and customized energy savings tips located in your online account at www.oru.com.
• Closing all doors and windows in your home while the air conditioning is running can make things cooler at a lower price.
• Cooking, baking or other household activities that produce heat and humidity are best left for the cooler times of the day and night.
• Pulling your curtains and shades closed can help block out the heat.
• Covering liquid items in the refrigerator is best. The humidity they give off forces the refrigerator to use more energy.
• Placing the most used items in one place in the refrigerator helps keep the door open for a shorter period of time.

For more energy tips, please visit O&R’s website at www.oru.com.

You also can save energy and money by replacing old appliances with new energy efficient Energy Star appliances. Replacing an old air conditioner with a new Energy Star unit can reduce energy usage by at least 30 percent. Also, O&R will pay $500 to customers who upgrade to a high-efficiency central air conditioner or heat pump.

If you have a power outage, you can report it and check to see when your lights will be back on through:

• www.oru.com from any computer or web-based mobile device.
• O&R mobile app from your iPhone, iPad or Android device
• Text messaging by texting “OUT” to 69678 (myORU) or
• Call 1-877-434-4100.

SEE ALSO: ###a>HV Weather: Labor Day Weekend Forecast Changes For The Worse

###a>