As Temps Soar, CL&P is "Ready for Energy Demand to Rise"

As excessive heat grips the region with temperatures forecasted to hover in the mid 90's for the next several days, Connecticut Light & Power anticipates demand for electricity may reach record levels.  CL&P announced in news release that the company is ready to meet the demand. 

This year, according to CL&P, the company invested $30 million in its electric system to reduce possible service interruptions. The company conducts helicopter infrared surveys of transmission lines and ground surveys of electrical substations to identify potential trouble spots.  

CL&P suggests customers take these steps to stay cool and keep energy use down:

Keeping the heat out and the cool in 
Sunlight shining in windows adds unwanted summer heat to homes, making it harder to keep indoor air cool. Using blinds, shades or drapes to block the sun can help. And, even without air conditioning, most homes will stay cooler if the windows are closed during the hottest part of the day. Simply close them early and open them again when the outside temperature drops. 

Air conditioners work best in the shade 
If possible, keep room air conditioners out of the sun. They run much more efficiently when kept cool. Installing one in a north-facing window is usually ideal. If you are shopping for an air conditioner, look for the Energy Star label to ensure the unit is energy efficient.

Raising the temperature lowers the bill 
Keeping air conditioner thermostats set at a moderate temperature saves energy and money. Because air conditioners also remove humidity from the air, they'll help keep you cool even with a higher temperature setting. 

Cook outside 
Cooking indoors will heat your home, cooking outdoors won't. Today's gas grills are more than just a way to cook traditional summertime favorites - they make great ovens, too. A closed lid and a properly adjusted temperature can result in a perfectly cooked meal. Many grill manufacturers even list the optimal settings and provide easy recipes right in the owner's manual.

Fridges and freezers are big-time energy users 

• Vacuum refrigerator coils regularly
  
  
• Close refrigerator doors quickly.
  
  
• Keep your refrigerator well-stocked. Using jugs of water is a perfect low-cost option to fill empty space.
  
  
• Old refrigerators and freezers typically use three times more electricity than today's energy-efficient models.
  
  
• If that extra fridge or freezer in the basement isn't really needed, consider unplugging it for extra savings.