How Extreme Summer Temps Affect Reliability

A message from general manager, Tom Wolfenbarger. 

When outdoor temperatures soar, our electricity 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 Butler Rural Electric Cooperative, we work closely with Buckeye Power, our generation and transmission 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 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 or initiate rolling power outages to relieve pressure on the grid. Butler Rural Electric Cooperative will always keep you informed about 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 your 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 thermostat setting and turn it up several degrees whenever possible. Your cooling system must run longer to make up the difference between the thermostat temp and the outdoor temp. 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. 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. During summer months, set ceiling fan blades to rotate counterclockwise, which pushes 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 air fryers use about half the amount of electricity as 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 our effect on energy demand is crucial for maintaining a reliable power 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 local community cool and connected.