Encourages Community to Reduce Energy Usage from 5-9 pm
Vermont Business Magazine Burlington Electric Department (BED) issued a peak alert for Tuesday, June 23 as part of its Defeat the Peak program launched during summer 2017 (view news release), encouraging members of the Burlington community to reduce their energy usage from 5:00-9:00pm on that day.
Burlingtonians can lend a hand by taking the following steps on what is projected to be an unusually hot summer day:
- Raise thermostat temperatures or turn off air conditioners between the hours of 5:00 and 9:00pm before returning air conditioners to cooler settings (COVID-19 note: please be aware of minimum ventilation requirements and airflow patterns related to COVID-19 – more information is available on the Vermont Occupational Safety and Health Administration (VOSHA) website at https://labor.vermont.gov/vermont-occupational-safety-and-health-administration-vosha);
- Wait until after 9:00pm or later to use washing machines, clothing dryers, dishwashers, and other appliances;
- Turn off non-essential lights until 9:00pm and later; and
- Delay other discretionary electric consumption until after 9:00pm.
The New England region reaches peak demand for electricity during the summer. A significant portion of BED’s costs as a utility is determined by how much energy our community is using during the summer peak.
“We are excited to continue Defeat the Peak for our fourth year, while recognizing that with COVID-19 many of our customers are using energy differently this summer than in previous years,” stated Darren Springer, BED General Manager. “We encourage our customers to participate knowing that even small, individual steps add to our community effort to reduce costs and protect our environment. During the peak, please consider unplugging phone and laptop charging cords, adjusting thermostats, and waiting until after the peak to run dishwashers and other appliances. With your help, we can continue to hit our peak reduction targets and support non-profits that are making a difference in Burlington through the Defeat the Peak program.”
Two more traditional incentives for Burlingtonians who take peak day actions include: potential reductions in utility costs that help keep electric rates low and stable; and environmental benefits that come with reduced energy demand on the regional electric grid, which decreases the need for use of polluting oil and natural gas generators around New England. A more unique and innovative incentive introduced by BED based on customer input is a community reward opportunity through which a local nonprofit – in this case Ronald McDonald House Charities – will benefit from a $1,000 contribution from BED if our customers hit the targeted amount of load reduction on a peak day.
Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Burlington, Vermont, is a “home away from home” for families with seriously ill children seeking treatment at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital. “Ronald McDonald House Charities is delighted to support Burlington Electric in its efforts to help our community cut costs and save energy,” stated Kristine Bickford, Executive Director of RMHC. “BED is leading the way forward on all levels, and this partnership aligns with our objective to see positive outcomes in our community. Just as BED strives to provide exceptional care to its customers, RMHC’s main goal is to provide unconditional support to its guests while they are focused on the health of their children. It doesn't get much better than that!”
BED also notifies customers by email blast about peak day alerts. Customers are invited to sign up for these email notifications, view a video explaining Defeat the Peak, and learn more about the program by visiting www.burlingtonelectric.com/peak. BED also shares information about peak day alerts with the community through social media channels, including Facebook and Twitter.
Source: Burlington, VT – Burlington Electric Department 6.22.2020
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Burlington Electric issues Defeat the Peak alert for Tuesday - Vermont Biz
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