Conservation counts for more than just your wallet

Programmable appliances, like those pictured, can be set to run during off-peak times.

Energy conservation is a great way to save money on your monthly electric bill, but did you know it  also can contribute to regional grid reliability?

The potential for rotating outages has been a hot topic in the media this summer as the Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, warned utilities throughout the region about the possibility of power shortages in the middle part of the United States during peak usage times (2-8 p.m.) when the weather is extremely hot and humid. 

But taking steps to conserve electricity isn’t just important during summer months or extreme weather conditions. Making energy-conscious choices all the time can make a difference.

SUMMER CONSERVATION TIPS

As the mercury rises, so does electricity consumption. One of the simplest ways to keep your home cooler is to close the blinds or curtains to slow down heat gain on sunny days. 

Bumping up the thermostat also helps. The Department of Energy recommends setting the thermostat to 78 degrees or higher in the summer to keep your air conditioner from running non-stop.    Using ceiling fans can keep you comfortable, as well. Just remember: Ceiling fans cool people, not rooms. Be sure to turn off fans when you leave the room.

A programmable thermostat can be a helpful tool in automatically regulating your home’s temperature on a pre-set schedule year-round.

Slow cookers, countertop convection ovens, air fryers or other small appliances are great tools to have in your arsenal. Not only do these use less electricity than a full-sized oven, they also contribute far less heat gain in your home.

Another way to slow heat gain in the summer (and heat loss in the winter) is to keep overhead doors closed as much as possible on attached garages.

An item pool-owners forget to consider with a high summer electric bill is the pool’s pump. Pool owners can conserve electricity by investing in a variable-speed pump.

WINTER CONSERVATION TIPS

Before Old Man Winter settles into Indiana, consider having a licensed HVAC technician inspect and maintain your system. Proper maintenance and changing air filters ensure your system is running as efficiently as possible.

The Department of Energy suggests setting thermostats to 68 degrees in the winter months. Setting it a couple of degrees lower when you’re away for much of the day is also good practice. Again, this is where a programmable thermostat can come in handy.

Adjusting the temperature on your water heater can be another way to conserve electricity. Water heater temperatures are often set too high from install. Try a lower setting to see if it works for your household.

Other energy-saving tips, regardless of season, include short showers, turning off lights and TVs when you leave a room, washing laundry in cold water, and reducing vampire loads, or electricity used by devices that are plugged in but not turned on. These can be reduced by unplugging chargers, electronic devices, and small appliances when not in use.

LONG-TERM UPGRADES

Energy efficiency upgrades can be a great investment that pays off for homeowners in the long-run.

JCREMC offers a variety of rebates and incentives to help consumers offset the cost of these upgrades. Examples include HVAC system and water heater upgrades, HVAC tune-ups, duct sealing, attic insulation, smart thermostats, and variable-speed pool pumps. Learn more at jcremc.com/savings.

GO OFF-PEAK

One final way JCREMC consumers can save money and contribute to grid reliability is by shifting some electricity usage to off-peak times when there is less demand for electricity. Programmable appliances, such as dishwashers and laundry machines, can be set with a delayed start, and electric vehicle chargers can be programmed to charge at a specific time.

JCREMC offers two different rate structures that reward consumers for shifting usage off-peak. The Single-Phase Service (SPS1) rate and the Single-Phase Time-of-Use rate both have a super off-peak period from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. when electricity costs less. The SPS1 rate became JCREMC’s standard rate for new consumers in September 2020. All consumers will be moved to this rate in the coming months. This rate offers summer savings, so if you’d like to switch now, please call 317-736-6174.

ENERGY ADVISING

JCREMC has an on-staff energy advisor, Shane Neher, who can help consumers review usage and try to identify areas with potential for energy conservation. This is a free service offered to all members. He can be reached at 317-736-6174.

Learn more about potential power shortages and JCREMC’s plan if they ever occur at jcremc.com/regional-power-shortages.

MAKING SENSE OF MISO

The Midcontinent Independent System Operator, or MISO, is an independent, not-for-profit organization that manages the generation and transmission of high-voltage electricity across 15 U.S. states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. MISO is tasked with making sure the right amount of electricity is generated and transmitted to electricity distributors who supply power to 42 million people at all times.

MISO also oversees regional grid reliability. That means if the demand for electricity within their jurisdiction is projected to exceed available capacity, they will call for load reductions. The purpose of this is to protect the integrity of the regional electric grid.

The generation and transmission MISO oversees is what feeds electricity distribution systems throughout the region, including JCREMC’s.

If MISO ever called for a reduction in load on the regional grid, all distribution entities in the designated area would be required to participate. That means rotating outages would impact a wide range of consumers, not just those who receive their power from JCREMC.

Learn more about MISO’s mission and see real-time market and usage data at misoenergy.org.