Ways to cut energy costs during extreme heat

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - We’re learning how residents can stay cool while avoiding increased energy costs on their electric bill. Western Mass News spoke with local experts about the issue.

With the recent extreme heat and summer just getting underway, that could bring higher utility bills for folks running things like air conditioners during peak hours. One energy expert says there are simple things residents can do to keep their homes cool while also reducing energy costs.

“I’m staying inside, I’m trying not to go outside for anything it’s way too hot.” Said Springfield homeowner Robbie Martin. Record breaking extreme heat affected residents across western Massachusetts on Tuesday. “I think the wisest thing is to stay indoors if you don’t have to go out, I’ve been staying indoors for the last two days.” Said another Springfield homeowner, Mitchal Bryany.

And with higher temperatures comes a higher energy usage for folks looking to stay cool. ISO New England Spokesperson Mary Cate Colapietro shared summer energy expectations: “We’re anticipating over 25,000 megawatts of energy demand. This is within the forecast that we were thinking we would have going into the summer but it’s certainly an increase from cooler spring days.”

Local homeowners told Western Mass News that increased usage can be quite costly. “Electric bill is crazy… It triples, quadruples when it’s hot like this cause my ac’s running all day throughout the house, it’s unbearable.” Added Martin.

We also spoke with Joe Mitchell, Assistant General Manager at Westfield Gas & Electric. He said Tuesday’s extreme heat will likely bring on a new peak for energy demands in the evening, between 5 p.m. and 7p.m., during peak hours. That new peak creating additional costs for rate payers. Mitchell said if folks work together now to conserve energy around those peak times, we can avoid paying more later down the line. “Before 4 p.m., cool your house down a couple degrees. Then after 4 p.m., bump it up to a higher thermostat setting and that way during peak hours there’s not as much of a demand… Save your laundry or dishwasher or cooking. If you have an electric stove and oven, save that to off-peak hours and that will help out everybody."

Homeowners told us that using things like the air conditioner during non-peak hours has helped them keep costs down on their electric bill.

Mitchell also said that crews are prepared if anyone potential outages do occur, and that those working outdoors are limiting their time in the sun, staying safe in this extreme heat.