Record cold temperatures across South Carolina tonight will put heavy demand on the electricity grid as consumers use more energy to keep warm.
For the state’s electric cooperatives, electricity demand approached all-time highs Thursday morning during the peak-use hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. As even colder temperatures settle across the Palmetto State tonight and into Friday morning, utilities could see historic demands for power.
“The demands on our power systems overnight could be unprecedented,” says James Lamb, senior vice president of planning and power supply at Central Electric Power Cooperative, which provides wholesale electricity to all 20 of South Carolina’s member-owned cooperatives.
Gov. Nikki Haley has asked residents to use as little electricity as possible during peak hours to lessen strains on the state’s power-supply systems.
“Our state will experience the coldest weather of the season, with wind chills near zero degrees, and we encourage everyone to manage through this challenge together,” Haley says.
While utilities are doing everything they can to respond to electricity demand during the cold snap, consumers can help by lowering their energy use during peak hours, says Mike Couick, president and CEO of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina.
“If all of us follow a few simple steps to conserve energy, the benefits are substantial,” he says. “Lowering the thermostat overnight or taking a quick morning shower are two simple ways consumers can help decrease the high demand that’s forecast.”
South Carolina’s electric cooperatives also suggest consumers follow these steps to use less electricity:
- Turn off nonessential internal and external lights.
- Unplug nonessential appliances and devices.
- Set thermostats on 68 degrees or lower.
- Take shorter showers or baths than normal. Electric water heaters use significant amounts of power.
- Ensure heating vents are open and unobstructed.
- Limit use of major power-consuming equipment, such as dishwashers, washers and dryers, from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.
Consumers interested in learning additional ways to conserve energy and lower their electricity use will discover money-saving ideas at togetherwesave.com.
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