Puget Sound Energy asks customers to use less electricity as heat wave increases demand

Puget Sound Energy is asking customers to use less energy on August 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. in what it calls a Peak Time Event. PSE’s coverage area includes 10 counties across much of western and part of eastern Washington.

“Peak time events are a cost-effective way to meet our region’s growing demand for energy by taking simple actions to use less electricity during certain hours on the hottest days of the summer,” noted PSE in a statement sent to customers on Monday.

July was declared Earth’s hottest month yet by the World Meteorological Organization. While the month wasn’t record-breaking for Washington state, the forecast shows August will be the hottest month so far this year in the region. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning for south Puget Sound through Tuesday, August 15.

“On especially hot or cold days, we use more energy to heat and cool our homes, which can strain the electrical grid,” a PSE spokesperson told McClatchy by email. “Demand response programs involve shifting when customers use energy and how much they use in order to prevent energy usage from spiking, which risks overloading and stressing the grid.”

Increased temperatures lead to increased electricity use. Many states along the United States’ southern border implement rolling blackouts because of this increased use, in order to prevent grid overloads.

Washington hasn’t seen many rolling blackouts, but in 2021 an energy company covering Spokane did have to implement them.

As it gets hotter, it’s important to manage your energy use and utilize mindful practices to conserve energy. This can prevent regional rolling blackouts and grid overloads that lead to outages, plus save you money.

Save energy during peak heat

Here are some helpful tips to take part in a peak time event, or just to conserve energy use:

▪ What not to do during a peak time event

• Run the dishwasher, laundry machines
• Watch TV
• Play video games that require electricity
• Other plugged-in activities

▪ Energy-saving tips for heat waves

• Avoid using your oven, dryer and dishwasher during the hottest times of the day.
• Close windows to block direct sunlight. Open windows in the evening to cross ventilate.
• Switch regular light bulbs for LED or compact fluorescent bulbs, which produce less heat.
• Cook outside to avoid extra heat buildup.
• Turn down the temperature on your water heater.
• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use.

This story was originally published August 14, 2023 at 2:46 PM with the headline "Puget Sound Energy asks customers to use less electricity as heat wave increases demand."