Vermont Business Magazine The Burlington Electric Department issued a peak day alert for both today and tomorrow, August 28 and 29, as part of its "Defeat the Peak" program launched last summer, encouraging members of the Burlington community to reduce their energy usage today and tomorrow from 3-7 pm.
Burlingtonians can lend a hand by taking the following steps on what is projected to be another unusually hot summer day:
- Raise thermostat temperatures or turn off air conditioners after returning home from work and wait until after 7:00pm to return air conditioners to previous settings;
- Wait until after 7:00pm or later to use washing machines, clothing dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances;
- Turn off non-essential lights until 7:00pm and later; and
- Delay other discretionary electric consumption until after 7:00pm.
Leading by example, Burlington Electric will be reducing its energy usage today and tomorrow by turning off all non-essential lights and adjusting its air conditioning usage by raising the thermostat to 75 degrees at its Pine Street facility from 3:00-7:00pm.
“We’re excited about our ‘Triple Bottom Line’ approach to defeating the peak here in Burlington,” stated Paul Alexander, Burlington Electric Department interim General Manager. “What a terrific win-win-win when our community comes together to keep costs low, protect the environment, and provide immediate support to impactful community nonprofits. Defeat the Peak serves as another part of our plan to make Burlington a net zero energy city.”
Two more traditional incentives for Burlingtonians who take peak day actions include: potential reductions in utility costs that help keep electric rates low and stable; and environmental benefits that come with reduced energy demand on the regional electric grid, which decreases the need for use of polluting oil and natural gas generators around New England. A more unique and innovative incentive introduced last year by Burlington Electric based on customer input is a community reward opportunity through which a local nonprofit – in this case Heineberg Community Senior Center today and Outright Vermont tomorrow – will benefit from a $1,000 contribution from Burlington Electric if our customers hit the targeted amount of load reduction on a peak day.
“Just as Burlington Electric is inspiring members of our community to take tangible steps that will reduce energy demand, the Heineberg Center strives to help our members feel empowered to take proactive roles in the quality of their lives,” said Beth Hammond, Executive Director of the Heineberg Community Senior Center. “We greatly appreciate that Burlington Electric reached out to us to communicate such a generous opportunity.”
“Outright Vermont and Burlington Electric have something in common – we’re both working to build a safe and healthy environment for our communities,” said Dana Kaplan, Executive Director of Outright Vermont. “Thank you Burlington Electric for recognizing Outright Vermont as an organization worthy of this support.”
Burlington Electric has notified customers by email blast about today’s and tomorrow’s peak day alerts. Customers can sign up for these email notifications, view a video explaining Defeat the Peak, and learn more about the program by visiting www.burlingtonelectric.com/