ECE encourages members to save energy every day, but some days require extra energy-saving measures to keep electricity use and costs down. The conservation gauge will inform members when increased demand for electricity drives up wholesale power costs. Taking extra energy-saving measures during these times can help keep future electricity prices lower for all members.

ECE updates the conservation gauge every afternoon (Monday-Friday) to reflect conservation needs for the next day. For example, ECE updates the gauge on Tuesday afternoon to reflect the conservation needs for Wednesday. Informing members of the next day's forecasted electricity use allows members to prepare for conservation measures. For example, a member may wake up early to do laundry or close the blinds before leaving for work on a peak use day.

Normal Usage
No special energy-saving measures are necessary. Still, ECE encourages members to find ways to conserve energy in their homes every day. Following are some tips to get you started.

• Join ECE members on Cycled Air
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Install ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light bulbs in as many light fixtures as possible
• Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances and home electronics
• Wash laundry in cold water using cold water detergent
• Turn off or unplug appliances you are not using, especially when you are away for a few days
• Clean or replace furnace filters at least once a month
• Turn on your computer's energy-saving feature
• Sign up for off-peak programs
• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Place child safety plugs in unused outlets to stop air flow through the outlet holes
• Thank you for saving energy!
  

Peak Usage
Electricity use is forecasted to be especially high today. As a result, ECE is incurring high wholesale energy costs and promoting wise energy use to reduce the impact. By working together to reduce energy use, we can help keep power costs down; therefore, ECE is asking members to voluntarily conserve energy from noon until 10 p.m. with the following tips:

• Delay running the dishwasher, clothes washer and clothes dryer until 10 p.m. or the next morning
• Instead of using the oven to prepare meals, try grilling, making meals in the microwave or dining out
• Close your window shades and drapes to keep out the sun
  
• Turn off lights, appliances and other electric items that are not needed.
• Do not forget pool pumps, dehumidifiers or pumps for water features such as ponds and fountains
• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher
• Thank you for saving energy!
  

Critical Usage
ECE and regional utilities are in a rare and temporary period of critical electricity use, and ECE is asking members to do everything they can to reduce electricity use. Critical energy use often results from unique circumstances such as prolonged periods of extreme weather or excessive transmission constraints. Working together, we can greatly reduce the economic impact of these circumstances.

• Instead of using the oven to prepare meals, try making meals in the microwave or dining out
• Turn off all unnecessary indoor and outdoor lights
• Turn off and unplug computers, home entertainment equipment and other electronic equipment, including chargers for cellphones and MP3 players
• Delay running your dishwasher, clothes washer and clothes dryer until after 10 p.m.
• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher
• Use fans to increase cooling efficiency
• Turn off appliances and other electric items that are not needed.
• Do not forget pool pumps, dehumidifiers or pumps for water features such as ponds and fountains
• Close shades and drapes to keep out the sun's warmth
• Take shorter showers
• Thank you for saving energy!