Less water equals less watts


As your community owned utility, we are doing our part to be prepared by planning ahead for a hot, dry summer. The drought, wildfires, and prolonged heat waves may reduce the availability of power supply this summer.

The limited water supply due to the drought reduces the amount of power that can be generated from hydroelectric power plants. Related to the drought, experts expect an earlier and perhaps longer fire season due to the low moisture levels and dry fuels.

Check out our resources below to find out how to save energy this summer and where to get information in the case of a Peak Alert.

Conservation is something we can all take part in to make a difference. Often times, saving energy is as simple as completing certain household tasks during non-peak hours.

Timing Energy Use

Peak Hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. is when electricity demand is highest, so energy conservation is most important during this window of time. We can all work together to conserve energy by making small adjustments to our daily household routines:

  • Avoid using major appliances (dishwasher, oven, washer and dryer)
  • Set air conditioning thermostat a few degrees higher (try 78 degrees or higher if health permits), this can save energy and money
  • Use fans to cool occupants, when possible (turn off when room is empty)
  • Avoid using video game consoles  
  • Turn off lights and fans in empty rooms
  • Unplug unused electrical devices and power strips
  • Avoid charging electric vehicles
  • Turn off pool pumps

Off-Peak Hours: Before 4 p.m. and After 9 p.m.
The early morning and late evening hours are when we should try to complete all household tasks that demand a lot of electricity:

  • Charge electric vehicles 
  • Charge mobile devices and laptops
  • Wash dishes and clothes
  • Use the oven
  • Run pool pumps
  • Lower thermostat to pre-cool the house

Air Conditioning

Decreasing AC use is the most effective way to save energy.

  • Cool down home during non-peak hours
  • Try raising the AC temperature 3-4 degrees 
  • If health permits, try setting thermostat to 78 degrees (cool) during peak hours
  • Use ceiling fans and set to spin counterclockwise (turn fans off in empty rooms, they cool people not rooms) 
  • Clean or replace air conditioning filter once a month, or at least every 3 months

Preventing the house from warming up helps save the energy it takes to cool it down.

  • Close blinds/curtains/shades to help block the sun's heat
  • Limit the use of ovens, stoves, dishwashers, dryers, washing machines, and other heat-producing appliances during peak hours
  • Avoid heating up the kitchen by planning a grilled meal
    • No grill? Try a meal that can be made in the microwave, toaster oven, or pressure cooker (these devices use about 66% less energy than a conventional oven)

Appliances and Electronic Devices

Appliances account for nearly 13% of a household's total energy use. Unplugging unused appliances and limiting their use to non-peak hours are great ways to conserve energy.

  • Avoid using multiple major appliances at the same time during peak hours (major appliances include dishwasher, air conditioner, oven, washer and dryer) 
  • Wash only full loads of dishes and clothes
    • Try to use cold water to wash clothes (heating the water consumes nearly 90% of the energy used to wash clothes) 
  • Limit the time the refrigerator door stays open and avoid wasting energy over-cooling it (ideal fridge temp is 37 degrees Fahrenheit) 
  • Unplug unused electronic devices such as game consoles and constantly-charging laptops/tablets
    • Consider using an advanced power strip which senses when the devices plugged into it are off and eliminates power to the controlled outlet(s) so they stop drawing electricity 

Water Heating

Water heating accounts for nearly 20% of a home's energy use. Reducing hot water use can help save a lot of energy. 

  • Adjust water heater temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Wrap water heater with water heater blanket to help keep heated water warm
  • Wash clothes in cold water
  • Install low-flow showerheads (reduces water usage 25-60%, which will reduce water heating)