Consumers have the power to reduce electricity costs during heat wave

Consumer usage times can increase electricity costs. (Courtesy photo)

If you want to save money on electricity during the current heat wave your home's windows and doors should have been shut, your blinds or drapes drawn and your clothes washing and drying already done by the time you read this, an Eversource spokesperson said on Friday.

That's because at the time of daily peak use - around 6 p.m. - if electricity delivery companies like Eversource have to get their electricity from suppliers outside New England like from New York or Canada, it can be more expensive.

And that can end up being reflected in your electric bill.

ISO (Independent Systems Operator) New England had a peak demand on Friday of 20,418 megawatts, much higher than Thursday's 17,123 MW due to higher temperatures driving increased air conditioning usage.

"On Friday we imported 1,496 MW from Canada, which is more electricity than is generated by Seabrook Station, said Kaitylyn Woods of Eversource-NH.

Woods also urged those with central air to not turn it off completely when they go to work, but leave it on moderate, because it costs more to cool down a house from a warm temperature than to just keep the AC on.

Woods said the biggest cost factor in using individual AC window units can be not getting the right size unit for the area you want to cool.

"Make sure the AC unit is the right size for the room," she said.

She also said folks should use their major appliances early in the morning or late at night to mitigate their impact on the grid during peak hours in the late afternoon and early evening.

And just like in the winter, she said it's important to insulate your windows and doors to keep hot air out and cool air in.

She said the current heat wave will put a "significant" pull on the grid but "ISO has enough capacity handle the heat."