The Tennessee Valley Authority, the power provider for Hopkinsville Electric System and Pennryile Electric, is asking customers to voluntarily reduce usage during extremely hot weather currently affecting the region.
Temperatures will remain in the 90s through the weekend, if not longer, and heat index values are expected to exceed 100 degrees. Kentucky, Tennessee and surrounding states are under a National Weather Service heat advisory that’s in effect until Friday evening.
In a social media post, Hopkinsville Electric asked customers to “reduce load by turning off all unneeded lights, TVs, etc. and postponing use of electric appliances such as dishwashers, dryers, etc. until further notice. These small voluntary reductions by each of TVA’s millions of customers can have a huge impact on overall energy usage and help us avoid stressing our generation and transmission grid and maintain reliability.”
TVA outlined several ways to conserve energy and reduce power bills.
Here are some tips from TVA:
- Manage appliances: Refrain from running your dishwasher, clothes washer or dryer between noon and 8 p.m. If your appliances are programmable, set them to run at night.
- Change filters: Make sure your air conditioner filter is clean so your unit runs as efficiently as possible. Get discounted prices by establishing a subscription for regular filter replacements or use a filter whistle to alert you when you’re due for a change. You can get a free filter whistle and other energy-saving gadgets by completing a DIY Home Energy Assessment.
- Get smart on thermostats: Each degree you raise your thermostat during the summer can save approximately 3% on your electric bill. Do the math – that adds up. A smart thermostat can help. Consider setting it to precool your home before the hottest part of the day.
- Close doors: Keep exterior doors closed and minimize the time you leave the refrigerator door open.
- Unplug: Got unused or unnecessary appliances or electronic devices? Pull them out of the wall. If they’re plugged in, they still use energy – even when turned off.
- Recycle: Consider parting with that old extra fridge in your garage or basement. It’s probably an energy hog. Here are some tips on how to do that.
- Close curtains: Direct sunlight can heat up a room. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the day on the south, west and east sides of your house.
- Dine alfresco: When possible, grill outside. If you cook indoors, use your microwave or try to avoid recipes that require long cooking times on the stovetop or oven. It’s probably not the week to bake bread.
- Change bulbs: Transition to more energy-efficient lightbulbs. They use 75% less energy and they emit less heat.
- Aim for shade: Use the hot summer days to create a landscaping plan that introduces shade trees on the south or southwest side of your home. Your future self will thank you.
