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iControl Energy-savings Tips

Energy Saving Tips for a Peak Energy Use Event

Get ready for a Peak Energy Use Event. During an event, you can reduce your energy use with simple changes. Start at the top of this list and work your way down. Everything you do to shift and reduce your energy use will add up fast! Don’t forget to ask everyone at home to join in.

Find the right balance of keeping your home comfortable while reducing your use of energy during a Peak Energy Use Event.

  • Close blinds or curtains in the morning to help block the sun from heating your home.
  • Turn your thermostat up a few degrees during event hours or consider turning window AC units off.
  • Use fans to circulate air. It helps you feel cooler!
  • Limit your use of vent fans in the bathroom and kitchen to keep cooler air inside.

Not only does your oven use energy, but it also heats up your home on a hot day. Try one of these alternatives.

  • Opt for a cold (and easy!) dinner, like sandwiches or a salad.
  • Pre-cook dinner early in the day and microwave it at dinner time.
  • Celebrate the taste of summer by grilling outdoors.
  • Use a slow cooker, pressure cooker or air fryer to make a healthy, hot meal.

TVs, gaming consoles, cable boxes, DVD players, computers and phone chargers all use energy, even when you’re not using them.

  • Charging your cellphones, tablets and laptops before event hours. Unplug them when the event starts.
  • Unplug any entertainment electronics you won’t be using during event hours, like gaming consoles or DVD players.

Washing machines, dryers and dishwashers all use a lot of energy. Try shifting your use to a different time of the day.

  • Plan to wash and dry your laundry before or after event hours.
  • Wait to do your dinner dishes until later in the evening.
  • Wait to take a shower or bath until after the event is over or turn down the temperature setting.
  • Open your refrigerator as little as possible. You could even turn your fridge to a “less cold” setting an hour before the event.
  • Postpone using any electric appliance that creates heat (hair dryer, coffee machine, microwave, etc.)
  • Turn off pool pumps and other non-essential electric motors.
  • Turn off unnecessary lights, inside and outside your house.

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Power Rewards: Water Heater

Earn credits by allowing automatic adjustments to your water heater during peak times.

Watts It Cost Energy Meter

The Watts It Cost Energy Meter helps identify which electronics and appliances are power hogs.

*During Peak Energy Use events, exercise discretion and consider health impacts when reducing energy use. Your actual savings will vary, so there is no guarantee of savings.