Vermont Electric Cooperative, based in Johnson, is encouraging its members to conserve energy on Wednesday, July 23 between the hours of2 pm and 6 pm when demand for electricity is expected to spike as a result of weather conditions that are producing high temperatures in northern Vermont and throughout New England.
Here are a few tips to help limit energy use during this time:
• Turn off all unnecessary lights
• Delay use of major appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers
• Raise your thermostat or air conditioner by 3 degrees
VEC offers a voluntary Beat the Peak program to promote conservation during peak energy events. According to CEO Dave Hallquist, “if VEC members can collectively beat the peak by conserving electricity during peak energy times, this helps to control costs that impact electric rates.” This is because “a large portion of our costs are based on calculations made during these peak events,” explained Hallquist.
VEC has been issuing Beat the Peak alerts since 2012. VEC members interested in "beating the peak" can sign up to receive alerts by their preferred method of communication such as e-mail, text, or phone messages.
For more information about VEC's Beat the Peak program, visit VEC’s website atwww.vermontelectric.coop/beat-the-peakor call 1-800-VEC-COOP.