Conserving Energy in the Heat

Already this summer, RG&E has come very close to reaching it's peak energy load.  With lots of hot weather ahead in the next few days,  they're reminding people to conserve energy.

"We prepare for these hot summer days long in advance and all year long we are out there maintaining, upgrading our equipment and make sure we are ready for when the hot days come that our system is ready to deliver the energy that our customers need," says Dan Hucko, Spokesperson for RG&E. 

Crews are working hard to make sure customers have power when they need it.  But at this time of year, they need everyone's help when it comes to cutting back.   

"This not only saves them money but it helps reduce the stress on our system and there are a lot of ways that people can do that," says Hucko. 

Some of those ways include keeping curtains closed on hot, sunny days
Close windows and doors during the hottest part of the day to keep heat out.
Cut back on loads of laundry and if you can, dry clothes outside.  
And, use air conditioning sparingly.  It's one of biggest users of energy. 

"If they do use air conditioning keep their thermostats set at 78 degrees, think about using a fan instead of the air conditioner," says Hucko. 

Even things you aren't using can add up fast.  Anywhere from 5 to 30 percent of your monthly electric bill is caused by so called, phantom electronics.
 
Hucko says, "your computer your television all suck power even when they are off; your phone charger even if your phone charger is plugged into the wall even if your phone isn't in your charger it's still consuming electricity. "

RG&E says that every little thing adds up and creates a demand on their system.  In the end, saving energy will benefit everyone.

"It's not only good for people's wallets you know, it's good for the environment, less energy that needs to be generated means less emissions into the air," says Hucko.