RMLD requests voluntary electricity conservation

RMLD requests voluntary electricity conservation

 Reading, July 18, 2013:  As temperatures continue to rise and Thursday’s and Friday’s expected temperatures forecasts are for the high 90s, Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is asking customers to voluntarily conserve electricity as a prudent, precautionary measure to help keep supply and demand in balance during his heat wave.

“As heat continues to build throughout the week, electricity demand is expected to increase significantly, which is likely to result in tight system conditions,” said Vamsi Chadalavada, executive vice president and chief operating office of ISO New England, operator of the regions’ bulk electric power system. 

“We are asking consumers to voluntarily conserve as a precautionary step to help manage system conditions, as requested by ISO New England,” said RMLD General Manager Coleen O’Brien.

Taking simple, practical steps to reduce electricity use, particularly between the hours of noon and 8 p.m., will help maintain system reliability.  Several ways to reduce electricity consumption depending on one’s health are:

• Raise air conditioning thermostats to 74-78 degrees F,
• Turn off unneeded lights and appliance,
• Turn off unnecessary office equipment,
• Shut off air conditioners when leaving home for extended periods of time,
• Defer laundry and other chores requiring electricity until early morning or late evening hours

Thursday’s peak demand for electricity is expected to be 27,800 megawatts  (MW).  Last year electricity usage peaked on July 17, at 25,880 MW, with an all-time record of 28,130 MW,  on August 2, 2006.  In New England, one megawatt of electricity can power approximately 1,000 homes.

“We are monitoring our power system closely,” said O’Brien.  “The ISO has a series of well-established steps it can take to bring the system back into balance when forecasted demand is expected to be high, including calling on demand-response resources to curtail their electric energy use and seeking additional power from neighboring regions.”

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