As temperatures drop and winter weather sets in, keeping your home warm and comfortable becomes a top priority. A reliable flow of electricity is essential to ensure North Central Electric Cooperative members can stay warm and connected during the cold months.
When our area experiences extreme cold weather and high electricity demand, you can help by conserving energy during peak hours. NCE’s winter peak hours are typically from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Friday, and Thanksgiving Day. These are the times when most people are using electricity for heating, cooking, and other activities, which puts extra pressure on the grid.
There are many ways to lower your home energy use during the winter peak. Here are a few recommendations to help you save energy (and money) this winter:
- Set your thermostat a few degrees lower. Consider wearing layers and using blankets to
stay warm.
- Run your ceiling fan in reverse to help circulate warm air more effectively.
- Plan tasks like laundry and running the dishwasher outside of peak hours. Use automatic timers to schedule these activities at off-peak times.
- Close drapes and blinds to help trap warmth inside and ensure that windows and doors are properly sealed to prevent heat loss.
When we all work together to reduce energy consumption during winter peak times, the entire community benefits. Lowering demand helps stabilize electricity prices, reduces your bills, and ensures a more reliable flow of electricity during the coldest months of the year.
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