NH power companies say weekend timing on heat wave should lessen demand

An Eversource lineman works to get power restored during a recent outage. (Courtesy photo)

MANCHESTER - Eversource officials say customers should keep air conditioners on a moderate setting throughout the day, rather than leave them off until they come home after a day at the beach or park.

In a a press release sent The Rochester Voice today company officials said while this weekend's heat wave may put a strain on the electric grid, Eversource is prepared to meet that increased demand. It said crews will also be ready to respond should violent thunderstorms and winds knock out power lines across the Northern Seacoast.

"We prepare year-round to meet the increased demand and to ensure that our system is ready to handle additional electricity needs that come with a heat wave," said Eversource New Hampshire Vice President of Electric Operations Joe Purington. "This includes conducting detailed inspections of our electric system in advance of the extreme heat to detect and resolve any issues ahead of time so that our customers have the energy they need for every moment of their lives, even in the face of potentially record-breaking heat."

Besides keeping air conditioning thermostats on a moderate temperature setting when not at home, Eversource officials also said programmable thermostats or temperature timers can also help keep costs manageable.

Alec O'Meara, a spokesman for Unitil, which covers the Hampton area, said this weekend's heat wave will constitute one of the highest electricity demands of the year.

Luckily, he said it's coming on a weekend when many business are shut down, lessening demand.

"We're prepared," O'Meara said. "We have crews standing by just in case thunderstorms knock out power to anyone."

Eversource offered other common-sense hot weather tips to help customers stay comfortable, and save energy and money on their electric bills during this period of high demand:

Keep air conditioner filters and coils clean. Clean air conditioner filters and coils at least every three months. Dirty filters block air flow, reducing efficiency and making it harder to deliver the cool air.

Don't block air flow. Keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains and rugs. For those with central air and floor vents, consider using vent deflectors to direct and increase the reach of cooled air.

Seal home cracks and gaps. Seal cracks or gaps in walls and outlets, and window and door frames, to keep cool air from escaping and letting hot air in.

Save major appliance use until the evening. Help conserve energy by using appliances like clothes washers and dryers early in the morning or late in the evening, when there is less demand on the electric system.