NSTAR Investing Over $200M in System Upgrades

With summer arriving, NSTAR Electric is letting customers know the company is prepared for the traditional spike in electricity use that comes with the summer season. 

As higher temperatures prompt increased use of air conditioning in homes and businesses, demand for electricity across the region is at its highest during the summer months. NSTAR is in the final stages of its annual preparations to ensure the electric delivery system will once again meet the increased demand for power.

“We work year-round to make our system stronger, with our efforts focused specifically on meeting the summertime spike in electricity use," said Doug Foley, NSTAR’s Vice President of Electric Field Operations.  "We're investing over $200 million in the system this year to further reduce the possibility of service interruptions throughout the year as well as during the summer months when our system can be pushed to its limits.”

NSTAR’s system reliability work included comprehensive ground and aerial inspections of its existing equipment using high-resolution digital photography, as well as visual and infrared inspections of over 700 miles of overhead transmission lines  The company also performed infrared and visual inspections of key electrical distribution equipment across its service area.

Improvements to NSTAR’s system this year include installing higher-capacity electrical transformers, adding new electric circuits and enhancing automation capabilities by installing additional equipment designed to speed restoration when an outage does occur.  Year-round tree pruning, aimed at reducing tree-related power outages, is also a key part of the company’s commitment to providing reliable electric service.

Consumers can prepare for summer as well, by putting the following energy efficiency tips into action to keep energy use down now and throughout the summer.  Money-saving rebates are also available to help make efficiency improvements more affordable.

Keeping the heat out keeps the cool in – Sunlight shining in windows adds unwanted summer heat to homes, making it harder to keep indoor air cool.  Using blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun can help.  And, even without air conditioning, most homes will stay cooler if the windows are closed during the hottest part of the day.  Simply close them early and open them again when the outside temperature drops.

Air conditioners work best in the shade – If possible, keep room air conditioners out of the sun. They run much more efficiently when kept cool. Installing one in a north-facing window is usually ideal.

Raising the temperature lowers the bill – Keeping air conditioner thermostats set at a moderate temperature saves energy and money. Because air conditioners also remove humidity from the air, they’ll help keep you cool even with a higher temperature setting.

It’s a great time to cook outside – Cooking indoors will heat your home, cooking outdoors won’t. Today’s gas grills are more than just a way to cook traditional summertime favorites – some make great ovens, too.

Fridges and freezers are big-time energy users – Make sure to keep coils clean, close doors quickly and keep them well-stocked.  Using jugs of water is a perfect low-cost option to fill empty space.  Old refrigerators and freezers typically use three times more electricity than today’s energy-efficient models.  If that extra fridge or freezer in the basement isn’t really needed, consider unplugging it for extra savings.  Or, better yet, take advantage of NSTAR’s fridge and freezer recycling program and earn $50.

For more summertime efficiency tips, or for information about all of NSTAR’s programs and rebates, visit www.nstar.com . 

NSTAR, a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE: NU), transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Eastern and Central Massachusetts, including more than one million electric customers in 81 communities and 300,000 gas customers in 51 communities. For more information, please visit our website: www.nstar.com. Friend us on Facebook, facebook.com/NSTARmedia, and follow us on Twitter: @nstar_news.