Winter energy use

If you look around your home, you likely have more devices and equipment that require electricity than ever before. Our connected lives are increasingly dependent on more electricity to function. At the same time, as demand for electricity rises, Inland Power must deliver an uninterrupted 24/7 power supply, regardless of market conditions or other circumstances.

Electricity use fluctuates throughout the day based on consumer demand. Inland Power must be able to provide enough electricity to meet the energy needs of all members during times of highest energy use or “peak hours.” These peak times are typically in the morning as people start their day and in the evening as people return to their homes.

Demand for electricity is even higher when extreme weather hits and it’s cold outside causing home heating systems to run longer and more frequently. Inland Power membership recently experienced an alert of high peak usage in December 2022 when a sub-zero cold snap hit our region. As a result, we saw various outages and notified members of high peak usage and requested voluntary energy savings practices in an effort to maintain stable electric service and keep rates low.

Freezing weather can put a strain on our grid and members can help reduce that strain by making simple adjustments in their usage, such as turning off any unnecessary lights, lowering their thermostat a few degrees and delaying activities that require hot water such as washing clothes, taking showers or washing dishes. These simple adjustments are effective to our power supply and can help reduce your monthly electric bill as well. An evaluation of items throughout your home that might be creating a spike in your electricity bills during the winter months can also be helpful. The following are just a few simple measures you can take to create greater energy efficiency:

Close gaps in the thermal seal around openings such as door and windows

Replace old incandescent or halogen bulbs with LED bulbs

Adjust the temperature on your hot water tank to 120 degrees

Insulate water pipes

Wash laundry in cold water rather than hot or warm

Run only a full dishwasher on the automatic energy-savings cool-dry cycle.

For more DIY energy saving tips, visit our website at inlandpower.com/energysaving-tips.

When we all work together to reduce energy use during periods of high electricity demand, we can relieve pressure on the grid and save a little money along the way.