AMHERST, N.Y. — If you live in the Snyder, Amherst, Eggertsville area, as well as around the Buffalo VA Medical Center, National Grid is once again asking you to temporarily reduce your energy usage.
National Grid says around 6,000 customers are being asked to reduce unnecessary electric usage. Crews are currently working to repair damage to two area substations.
"Electrical equipment can sometimes become stressed on the hottest summer days,” said National Grid Regional Director Ken Kujawa. “Adding to the stress the network experiences during such oppressively hot days is increased energy load, such as pool pumps and air conditioning units, which consume a lot of energy. With temperatures forecast to be in the 90s, conserving energy and maintaining system reliability is important as we repair our equipment. And to our customers, so many of whom are working from home, we thank them for their continued patience and support.”
National Grid is contacting customers in the impacted areas to remind them to conserve electricity for the time being.
National Grid recommends some simple customer actions to help reduce demand on utility equipment and maintain system reliability. The company reminds customers that when they and their neighbors perform a few simple actions, they can make a big difference:
• During daylight hours, draw blinds, shades, drapes to prevent the sun from making your home too hot.
• Control your home’s temperature with a smart thermostat – Whether you’re on vacation or on the go, a Wi-Fi enabled thermostat allows you to control your home’s temperature from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. Customers can use the technology to preset and adjust temperatures remotely, which could help lower energy bills by up to $180 a year.
• Slightly increase air conditioner settings, change filters – The lower you set your air conditioner temperatures, the more costly it is to operate. For example, a 75-degree setting will cost about 18 percent more than a 78 degree setting. Be sure to choose a temperature that doesn’t compromise your comfort. Also, check your window air conditioner filter and replace or clean it if it is clogged. If your home has central air conditioning, check the furnace filter and replace it if it’s dirty.
• Temporarily turn off your pool pump – Pool pumps are one of the largest consumers of household energy, second only to the air conditioning unit.
• Use oscillating fans, which consume less energy than air conditioners.
• Delay the use of hot water appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
• Turn off lights when they are not needed.
• Unplug electronics to reduce phantom load – Phantom load refers to the way electricity is drawn from electronic and electric devices when they are turned off. An advanced power strip on your entertainment system can turn off power to peripheral devices, reducing phantom load all year long, and saving up to $60 annually.
Heat Stress and Power Outage Tips
• National Grid also reminds customers that prolonged temperatures of 90°F or higher can lead to heat-related illnesses, especially for the elderly, young children and those with chronic illnesses.
• If you experience an outage, National Grid advises customers to try to leave the refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep the contents inside cool.
• Turn off any appliances that were on when the power went off but leave one light on so that it turns on and alerts you when power is restored.
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