When temperatures in Texas soar, electricity use increases. That’s because our air conditioners run longer and more often to counteract the sweltering heat outside. Factor in the fact that we all tend to use electricity at the same times—in the morning and early evening—and that adds up to a lot of demand on our electric grid.
At Medina Electric Cooperative, we work closely with our wholesale power supplier on resource and infrastructure planning to ensure you have the power you need whenever you flip a switch, but the electric grid is much larger than you may think.
In the summer, when more electricity is being used simultaneously across the state, electricity demand can come close to exceeding supply, especially if a prolonged heat wave occurs.
If this happens, which is rare, the grid operator for our region may call on consumers to actively reduce their energy use. If that’s not enough to relieve demand, then the grid operator may mandate forced rotating power outages as an option of last resort.
Medina EC will do everything we can to keep you informed about situations like this.
We work proactively with our power supplier to create a resilient portion of the grid to ensure electric reliability in extreme weather. Regular system maintenance, grid modernization efforts and disaster response planning are all steps we take, but it takes everyone to keep the grid reliable.
To help keep the AC running smoothly for you, your family and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to relieve pressure on the grid during extreme summer heat.
Select the highest comfortable thermostat setting, and turn it up several degrees whenever possible. Your cooling system must work harder to make up the difference between the thermostat and the outdoor temperature.
Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts force your cooling system to work harder than necessary.
Run major appliances such as dishwashers, ovens and dryers during off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is lower. For example, start the dishwasher before you go to bed.
Use ceiling fans to make yourself feel a few degrees cooler. Remember, ceiling fans cool people, not rooms, so turn them off in unoccupied spaces. During summer months, set ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, which pushes cool air down for a windchill effect.
Close blinds, curtains and shades during the hottest part of the day to block unwanted heat gain from sunlight. Consider blackout curtains with thermal backing or reflective lining to block heat and light.
Use smaller appliances, such as slow cookers, air fryers and toaster ovens to cook meals. Studies have shown that air fryers use about half the electricity of a full-sized oven. They’re smaller and use focused heat, which results in faster cooking times, less wasted heat and lower energy use.
If we face challenges posed by soaring summer temperatures, understanding the impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power supply. I encourage you to monitor your electricity using consumer analytics through SmartHub and gain a deeper understanding of energy usage, specifically pinpointing which appliances are driving up energy use and by approximately how much. Learn more at MedinaEC.org/ConsumerAnalytics.
By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme heat, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you also can contribute to the resilience of the grid, keeping our local community cool and connected.
Until next time,
Trey
