Residents Asked to Conserve Power as Temperatures Soar

State and local utility companies are asking power customers to conserve electricity as the demand for power is expected to hit record-breaking levels on Friday. 

The National Weather Service is predicting a heat index of 105 degrees on Friday and ISO New England, which operates the bulk power system, is calling for voluntary energy conservationthroughout the current heat wave in New England.

Likewise, Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department recently sent out a press release also requesting that they conserve electricity as temperatures rise throughout New England.

“Even when the region is not in a heat wave, customers should continue to conserve electricity throughout the summer,” WMGLD General Manager Pete Dion said. “We’re doing our part by monitoring the electrical load, but we need your help. If we all do our part and practice energy conservation, we can all stay cool during periods of high temperatures and humidity."

ISO New England reported that electricity usage peaked this past Wednesday, July 17, at 26,655 megawatts, representing New England's tenth highest day of energy usage in recorded history. 
Electricity usage is expected to climb to 27,900 megawatts on Friday, coming close to the highest recorded energy usage in a single day, which was 28,130 megawatts on Aug. 2, 2006. 

Residents are being asked to turn off unnecessary appliances and lights and refrain from using air-conditioning in an empty house. ISO New England is saying that residents should try to curtail energy usage especially during the hours of 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. 

The Edison Electric Institute recently tweeted about the heat wave in New England and provided a document listing more than 100 ways to conserve energy. 

The National Weather Service office in Taunton is predicting 95 degree temperatures on Friday in Middlesex County with a heat index of 105 degrees. Temperatures are expected to peak from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.