Puget Sound Energy is encouraging its 1 million-plus electricity customers to be more energy conscious than usual as temperatures climb into the high 80s and the 90s over the next few days. PSE's electrical-power infrastructure system has the capacity to meet the needs of customers. While excessive heat puts extra demands on the power grid, our region uses more energy on cold winter days than we will during this heat wave. Over the years, PSE has been seen more power consumption during the summer as customers add some form of air conditioning in their homes, spokesman Ray Lane said. The utility estimates that 11 percent of its residential customers run air conditioning.As a result, energy conservation is more important, the Lane noted. But he said PSE plans for peak demand, and its electrical-power system has the capacity to meet the needs of customers. In fact, while excessive heat puts extra demands on the power grid, "our region uses more energy on cold winter days than we will during this heat wave,GÇ¥ Lane said. PSE's one-hour summer record for power consumption was on July 27, 2009, when temperatures topped 100 Ways to conserve electricity include: " Set thermostats as high as comfortably possible. For those with central air or air conditioning, PSE recommends no lower than 75 degrees. That might seem on the warm side, but customers can save up to 5 percent on their electric bill by taking that simple step. " Invest in a programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust the indoor temperature while you're away. " Use fans to help circulate the air. Remember that ceiling fans cool you, not the room, so when you leave the room, make sure to turn off the fan. " Make sure to close window blinds and curtains to block direct sunlight. In the evening, open windows for cross ventilation. " Switch out any conventional light bulbs with LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs, which produce 70 percent less heat. " Run appliances dishwashers, washers and dryers at night. A hot dishwasher sends heat throughout the house; run only on full loads and use the "no heat' option for the drying cycle. " Consider cooking a later dinner or grilling outside to prevent any additional heat buildup.
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