March 29, 2024

Request for Voluntary Electric Conservation

Monday June 13, 2022 - Thursday June 16, 2022

Electric Department Asks for Voluntary Conservation to lower energy consumption.

 Electric Department Asks Voluntary Conservation to Help Keep Electric Bills Lower

 

The City of Marshall Electric Department asks for voluntary customer assistance in managing peak electric demands during this week’s hot, humid weather in an effort to save money on local electric bills.

A significant portion of the City’s power supply cost is based on how much electricity the community uses during peak electric demand periods. These peak demand periods typically occur on hot, humid summer weekdays between the hours of 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. when air conditioner use is heavy.

“We operate the municipal power plant generators and Marshall Hydroelectric Project to reduce high-cost electric purchases during peak demand periods,” said City Director of Electric Utilities Kevin Maynard. “Voluntary customer conservation efforts can also help reduce high-cost power purchases, which helps save money on everyone’s electric bills.”

The Marshall Electric Department is issuing a Peak Alert for 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week in an effort to reduce high-cost market energy purchases. Customers can take the following simple actions from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday (June 14-16) to help keep their electric bills lower this summer:

• Set air conditioner thermostats at the highest comfortable temperature. Cooling systems work best by maintaining a steady temperature, so don’t turn your cooling system off unless you will be away from home for an extended period.

• Change your air conditioner filters monthly. Dirty filters can increase operating costs.

• Don’t block air registers and return vents with furniture or drapes.

• Use ceiling fans and portable fans to circulate air inside your home. Using a fan will make the room feel cooler, and fans use less energy than air conditioners.

• Close blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day. This helps prevent the sun from heating the interior of your home.

• Use a microwave or countertop appliances for cooking instead of an oven or stove. Barbequing on an outdoor grill instead of cooking with a stove or oven can help keep your home cooler on hot days.

• Make sure your home is adequately insulated. Proper insulation can help you save money on winter heating bills as well as reducing summer air conditioning costs.

• Water lawns and landscaping in the morning or evening to help minimize water evaporation.

• Make sure lawn sprinklers apply water to lawns and landscaping, not sidewalks and driveways.

Customers are encouraged to check the City of Marshall Facebook page and website (www.cityofmarshall.com) for Peak Alert information and easy tips to help reduce peak electric demands.

Director of Electric Utilities Kevin Maynard said. “By working together, we can help keep everyone’s electric bills lower this summer.”

[Electric Department]