NES Has a Record Setting Week

NES Has a Record Setting Week

Nashville, Tenn. – Energy consumption in Nashville reached another all-time high Thursday. The new record topped out at 2,673 megawatts at 3:45 p.m. The temperature was 100 degrees.

While it is hard to beat the heat, Nashville Electric Service (NES) does recommend these simple suggestions to help control the amount of energy you’re using during this heat wave. More tips can be found online at www.nespower.com

  • Adjust your thermostat. By raising the temperature on your thermostat slightly, we recommend 78º, you’ll save money while maintaining a comfortable temperature setting.
  • Skip the bath. Take a quick shower instead of a bath. A five-minute shower, for instance, uses up to 50 percent less hot water than a bath.
  • Turn off all sources of heat. Try to do your baking, washing, drying and ironing early in the morning or in the evening to reduce the number of appliances that are in use during the hottest time of the day. Limit your computer use. When a computer runs 24 hours a day, it uses between $75 and $120 worth of electricity each year.
  • Take the dollar bill test. Close your refrigerator door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If the dollar comes out easily, you may need new seals or a new refrigerator.
  • Rinse in cold water and wash in warm. Clothes rinsed in cold water come out as clean as those rinsed in warm water. Washing in warm rather than hot water uses 50 percent less energy.
  • Avoid over-drying clothes. Clothes should dry in 40 to 60 minutes in the dryer. If you are buying a new dryer, look for one with a moisture sensor. It will turn off automatically when clothes are dry.
  • Block out the sun. Close blinds or drapes during the summer to keep the sun from shining through and the heat out of your home.
  • De-energize your home before a vacation. Set your air conditioner at 85ºF, or turn it off completely in moderate climates. Unplug major appliances, except your refrigerator and freezer. Turn your electric water heater off or a gas water heater to the pilot setting. Shut down pool heaters and reduce pump operating times.