News flash: It’s hot outside. Really hot.

As more are cranking up the AC to stay cool amid historically high temperatures, the increased electricity usage places an incredible demand on the infrastructure meeting and supporting those needs.

The increased demand adds up to broader “peak” periods – times when use energy usage by Edmond Electric customers is at its highest. Edmond Electric is committed to meeting that increased demand and working to ensure service is delivered during these “peak” hours.

Since electricity can’t be stored, it must be produced on demand. “Peak” periods – which normally occur between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays – require additional energy resources that are more costly to operate and result in increased energy costs

“This ‘peak load’ electricity then is usually more expensive and raises the cost of everyone’s electricity,” said Edmond Electric Director, Glenn Fisher. “If these peaks are reduced, we can more easily handle the demand and can save money.”

While homes today are using more energy than ever before -- partially due to reliance on modern technology and electronic devices -- there are ways consumers can manage their demand during peak hours and reduce their costs:

• Run the dishwasher early in the morning or late at night.
• Cooling costs are typically 60 percent of your total utility bill. For every degree you set the thermostat below 78 degrees, you use 2 to 5 percent more electricity.
• Turn off lights in any room you’re not using or consider installing timers or sensors to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.
• Remember to clean the coils on your refrigerator.
• Clear outdoor air conditioning units and heat pumps of debris and shrubbery so they can work more efficiently.
• You will conserve energy by turning off or using sleep mode for any computer not in use for two hours or more.
• Lower the temperature on your water heater. A setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit provides comfortable, hot water for most uses. And installing an insulating blanket on your electric water heater should pay for itself in less than a year.

For more information about energy use in Edmond and more specifically, in your home, call Edmond Electric today and schedule a FREE home energy audit which could save you money with the energy saving tips custom to your home, (405) 216-7608.