Reading Issues Peak Energy Alert As Heat Wave Enters Third Day

READING, MA — The Reading Municipal Light Department has added Wednesday to the Shred the Peak alert as a potential peak day.

Customers are asked to conserve electricity Tuesday, June 29 and Wednesday, June 30 from 4-8 p.m. to help reduce future power supply costs, keep electric rates affordable and reduce regional carbon emissions.

Peaks happen when the highest level of electricity is consumed within a specific timeframe. Peak electricity is expensive, affecting power supply costs and in turn, customer bills. The peaks that impact RMLD's power supply costs occur once per month and once per year.

Peaks may also impact the environment because the more inefficient and environmentally impacting generators may be needed in order to meet the high demand for electricity.

Tips to Conserve

• Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.
• Delay using appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and humidifiers/dehumidifiers until after the predicted peak window.
• Postpone charging electric vehicles until after the predicted peak window.
• Raise the temperature setting on your air conditioner (ENERGY STAR recommends a setting of 78 degrees or higher).
• If you have a heat pump: heat pump HVAC systems are most efficient when maintaining a steady temperature, and frequent adjustments are typically not recommended from a comfort and efficiency perspective. If you decide to adjust the thermostat temperature setting during Shred the Peak events, you will be helping reducing peak load, which is appreciated. However, it may take some time (potentially several hours) for the heat pump HVAC to return your living space to its original temperature.
• Shut off pool pumps during the predicted peak window.
• Close curtains/blinds of south-facing windows to keep the heat from the sun out.
• Cook dinner on the grill.