Lighten The Load With Energy Saving Tips!
Save money AND energy!
Toning down your electricity use can save you money and help lighten the load on the electric grid. In the coming years, it will be especially important to be aware of peak use time frames on particularly hot days because of an expected shortfall in energy supply in Michigan. For more background on the expected shortfall, click here.
What are Cherryland’s peak hours?
The peak refers to when the most people are using the most energy at the same time. We usually see a spike in the morning, when everyone is getting ready for their day — and again in the late afternoon and early evening. Avoiding using appliances that require a lot of energy like dishwashers, dryers, and air conditioners between 3:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. can lighten the load when the electric grid is working its hardest.
How can you help?
The good news is — there are lots of small changes that can add up to make a big difference!
Home Heating and Cooling:
- Adjust your thermostat a couple of degrees to save on heating or cooling your home
- Use ceiling fans instead of portable fans
- Let the sun heat your home by keeping shades open during the day, or close your curtains to keep cool
- Turn off any in-floor heating during the summer
Water Wise:
- Take shorter, cooler showers
- Use cold water for laundry and only run full loads
- Turn off your hot tub to save energy
Shift Your Schedule:
- Avoid using your clothes dryer during the afternoon and early evening hours and use cooler temperatures for drying whenever possible
- Meal prep! Avoid cooking in the early evening hours or in the summer, choose to grill out instead
- Set sprinklers or other irrigation systems to run in the morning instead of the afternoon
Conscious Consumer:
- Turn lights off when you’re not using them
- Turn off and unplug your holiday lights and decorations
- Unplug computers, toasters, and chargers until you need them
- Give your refrigerator a break and use coolers with ice for summer gatherings
