With extreme heat, excessive humidity, and the potential for isolated thunderstorms in the forecast across New England this week, Eversource continues to closely monitor the grid and is prepared as always to address any issues that may arise, particularly with significant increases in energy demand expected as customers crank up air conditioners and other appliances to stay cool. During the summer months, Eversource customers in New Hampshire use about 20% more electricity to keep cool when the mercury soars, and even more if excessive heat continues for a prolonged period. While high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, the energy company is ready to meet the increased demand, as well as respond to any damage caused by strong thunderstorms that always have the potential to emerge with this kind of heat and humidity in the forecast.

“Our system operators are constantly monitoring the grid and are able to reroute power and shift other resources as needed, and our field crews are ready to respond to any potential outages or damage caused by strong isolated thunderstorms or other heat-related issues,” said Eversource President of New Hampshire Electric Operations Bob Coates. “Here in New England, constrained energy supply regularly poses an affordability challenge, which is compounded by the spike in electricity demand that we typically see during heat waves when millions of customers have their cooling systems working overtime. This further highlights the need for additional supply resources in the Northeast to ensure reliable and affordable power for customers during all types of weather, especially the extreme conditions we’re expecting.”

The region’s independent grid operator, ISO-NE, forecasts sufficient energy supply to meet peak demand in New England this summer but also indicates that very hot and humid weather could create challenging operating conditions. With the region’s already-constrained supply resources further stressed during peak summer demand, there is always the potential for localized system issues as customers rely heavily on air conditioners and other appliances to stay cool, as well as related impacts driving up the cost of energy in the regional wholesale supply market. While Eversource customers who receive energy supply from the company would not experience immediate bill impacts from increasing supply costs on the daily market when demand significantly increases because the company’s customer supply costs are fixed for six months, this market volatility still drives up long-term supply costs and impacts both affordability and reliability across the region.

During the high heat this week, Eversource anticipates activating its ConnectedSolutions demand response programs, which helps to reduce demand on the local electric system during high-use periods when electrical equipment is heavily stressed and at higher risk of failure. Residential and commercial customers enrolled in ConnectedSolutions opt in to allow Eversource to adjust their thermostats or dispatch their batteries, while some commercial customers also proactively curtail consumption, in order to reduce overall energy usage during periods of high demand. The program leverages customer flexibility that can serve as a local resource – sometimes referred to as a virtual power plant – by reducing demand during peak energy events or shifting demand to other times when the system is less stressed.

“Our ConnectedSolutions program is a nation-leading model for implementing virtual power plants, which is benefiting residents and businesses throughout the region with a more reliable grid during times of high energy demand,” said Eversource Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility Tilak Subrahmanian. “Partnering with our customers on this program allows us to help ease the strain on the electric grid during days of high energy use like we’re expecting this week. Customers’ flexibility – allowing us to adjust their thermostat or take other steps when needed to ease stress on the grid – is not only a benefit to those enrolled in the program who receive incentives, but to all customers who rely on the electric system for dependable power during all types of weather.”    Eversource reminds customers that increased energy usage always results in higher energy bills. Even if their thermostat is set at the same temperature all summer long, customers will use more electricity when it’s 95-degrees outside as opposed to 80-degrees because the system is working much harder to maintain that temperature.

Things customers can do to manage energy usage this summer:

• Keep air conditioners as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1–3% less electricity.
• Maintain air flow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs.
• Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times.
• Keep blinds closed to prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember, fans cool people not rooms, so turn the fan off when leaving the room.

To learn about the many energy saving programs available, visit Eversource.com. Customers are also encouraged to visit Eversource.com/BillHelp to learn more about payment programs available to help.