Ordinances

For several years, Wood River residents have participated and benefited from a program designed to help reduce energy costs. You’ve probably seen or heard about the load management program the City is using but perhaps did not fully understand its importance.

Wood River’s load management program is not new and it is not something that will interrupt your current lifestyle. It is being used successfully throughout the United States and in Wood River for more than 20 years in one form or another. Studies indicate few consumers recognize the time or day when load management measures such as controlling an air conditioner’s compressor or hot water heater’s element. In most cases, customers do not experience any discomfort by participating in the load management program with either their air conditioner or hot water heater.

Wood River’s Load Management Incentive Program allows the electric utility to maintain low electric rates by reducing the electric demands during critical peak operating times, set by the Municipal Energy Agency of Nebraska, our power supplier. By managing our electric load during specific peak period times, the City of Wood River can prevent surpassing a set peak limit and avoid costly demand charges. By managing these high peak demand period during hot summer days, the City of Wood River can continue providing fair and reasonable rates to our customers. Controlling your energy use helps reduce the wholesale price Wood River pays for electricity, especially during times   of peak demand.

As many of you already know, extremely hot weather finally arrived. Because temperatures are soaring and the humidity levels are high, the demand for air conditioning climbs with every degree the temperature outside climbs. The added use of air conditioning during a particularly hot day may set a record for electricity consumption that day. In doing so, the record establishes the highest “peak day” for the City of Wood River. It also sets a high level for our electricity billing from our power suppler which, in turn, sets our utility rate for the next 12 months. Reducing the peak day demand can help lower our rates and, most importantly, prolong the need to raise electricity rates to all consumers.

There are a number of ways Wood River citizens can help the utility department manage the electric usage during peak days. In addition to the load control measures in place now, here are some tips on how to help reduce the peak, ways to save money and keep your home cool:

Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact florescent bulbs (CFLs). Only 15 percent of the electricity used by a standard incandescent bulb is for light, the rest of the energy is wasted as heat. CFLs use 75 percent less electricity and are a cooler way to light your home. Visit www.energystar.gov/changealight  and select “Fixtures Guide” to check out the latest about ENERGY STAR qualified light fixtures.

Use a programmable thermostat. Programmable thermostats let you automatically set your air conditioner to a higher temperature setting during peak hours of 2-8 p.m., or while you are not home. Each degree setting above 72 reduces by 3 percent the amount of electricity used by your central air-conditioning system.

Keep doors and windows closed during the day while your air conditioner is running.

During the day, close blinds on those windows that directly face the sun. In the evening open windows and use lower nighttime temperatures and breezes to cool your home.

Reduce the use of appliances that produce heat. Ovens, ranges and clothes dryers all produce excess heat and require extra electricity to keep your home cool and comfortable.

Use the “air dry” cycle on your dishwasher.

Minimize the time your refrigerator door(s) remains open. Cold air lost from your refrigerator requires the compressor to run longer and produces more heat in your kitchen.

Turn off lights, TV’s and electronic appliances when not in use. All these appliances create heat when they are on.

As outside temperatures allow, use a fan to cool your home. Moving air provides a 5 degree cooling effect on your skin.

Consider changing your laundry and bath times to later in the evening when outside temperatures and peak demand begin to fall.