Eversource Braces for Potential Heat Wave

BOSTON — As a result of its year-round efforts to maintain and strengthen the electric system to make it more resilient to extreme weather, Eversource is ready for this week’s potential heat wave and continues to closely monitor the grid so it can immediately address any issues that may arise.

With the combination of high humidity and temperatures in the 90s expected to make it feel closer to 100 degrees over the next several days, air conditioners and fans will likely be working overtime at many homes and businesses. During the summer months, Eversource customers use about 35% more electricity to keep cool when the mercury soars, and that increase can be even greater if excessive heat persists throughout the summer.

While high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, the energy company is prepared to meet the increased demand. Eversource system operators are constantly monitoring the grid and are able to reroute power and shift other resources as needed, and field crews are ready to respond to any potential outages or heat-related issues.

“We’re always preparing for whatever the weather may bring so our customers have reliable electric service during every season, especially the hot and humid days of summer like we’re expecting this week, when air conditioners and fans are cranking,” said Doug Foley, Eversource’s president of Massachusetts Electric Operations.

“In addition to the investments we make throughout the year to make sure the grid can handle prolonged periods of high demand like a heat wave, we regularly conduct ground and aerial inspections of the electric distribution system so we can detect and address any issues in advance of a potential problem,” he added. “This is also the time of year when energy bills tend to spike as a result of that higher usage, so we always remind our customers of the simple steps they can take to manage their energy use, and we want to make sure they are aware of every option that can help keep their bill from skyrocketing along with the temperatures.”

Eversource reminds customers that increased energy usage always results in higher energy bills.  Even if their thermostat is set at the same temperature all summer long, it will use more electricity when it’s 95 degrees outside as opposed to 80 degrees because the system is working much harder to maintain that temperature.

Things customers can do to manage energy usage this summer:

• Keep air conditioners as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1% to 3% less electricity.

• Maintain air flow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs.

• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times.

• Keep blinds closed to prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.

• Switch to ENERGY STAR certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.

• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms, so turn the fan off when leaving the room.