How Extreme Summer Temps Impact Reliability

When outdoor temperatures soar, our electric use increases. That's because our air conditioners are running longer and more often to counteract sweltering outdoor temperatures. Factor in that we all tend to use electricity at the same times— in the morning and early evenings— and that equals a lot of strain on our electric grid.

At Owen Electric, we work closely with East Kentucky Power Cooperative, our generation and transmission (G&T) cooperative in 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 your local co-op and G&T.

In the summer months, when even more electricity is being used simultaneously across the country, it is possible for electricity demand to exceed supply, especially if a prolonged heat wave occurs. If this happens, which is rare, the grid operator for our region of the country may call on consumers to actively reduce their energy use. Owen Electric will always keep you informed of situations like this.

We work proactively with our G&T to create a resilient portion of the grid and ensure electric reliability in extreme weather, including regular system maintenance, grid modernization efforts and disaster response planning; but it takes everyone to keep the grid reliable.

To help keep the air conditioner running for you, your family and neighbors, here are a few things you can do to relieve pressure on the grid during times of extreme summer heat:

• Select the highest comfortable setting on your thermostat and turn it up several degrees whenever possible. Your cooling system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and outdoor temp.
• Pro tip: Seal air leaks around windows and exterior doors with caulk and weatherstripping. Air leaks and drafts will force your cooling system to work harder than necessary.
• Run major appliances such as dishwashers, oven and dryers during off-peak hours when the demand for electricity is lower.
  • Pro tip: 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 rooms.
  • Pro tip: 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.
  • Pro tip: 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.
  • Pro tip: Studies have shown that air fryers use about half the amount of electricity than a full-sized oven. Air fryers are smaller and use focused heat, which results in faster cooking times, less heat output and lower energy use.

As we face the challenges posed by soaring summer temperatures, understanding the impact on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable energy supply. By adopting energy conservation practices during periods of extreme heat, not only can you save money on your electric bills, but you can also contribute to the resilience of the grid, keeping our communities cool and connected.