NEW! “Phantom Energy” Adds to Electric BillsWhile Arizonans are going “green,” becoming more mindful of recycling, reusing grocery bags, cutting fuel use and switching to more energy-saving appliances and other products, “phantom energy” may take tiny bits of energy from electric outlets in their homes and offices. Click here for more information.
What is a "Rolling Black Out?"
A rolling blackout occurs when a power company turns off electricity to selected areas to save power. The areas are selected using sophisticated computer programs and models. The blackouts are typically for one hour, then the power is restored and another area is turned off. Hospitals, airport control towers, police stations, and fire departments are often exempt from these rolling blackouts. These blackouts usually occur during peak energy usage times, usually between 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. on weekdays, but they can happen at any time of day. Blackouts may affect the same area more than once a day, and may exceed an hour's duration.
How Do I Find Out if My Area Will Have a Rolling Blackout?
Listen to local television, radio, and check the web site of your power company. Usually, rolling blackouts occur when power usage increases, especially during hot weather when many people are using air conditioning to keep cool. Power companies try to give a warning when they will turn off power to an area, but they can not always do that. n.
Top Safety Tips Residential customers can: - Adjust thermostat settings.
- Implement load management measures.
- Use appliances at off-peak times (early morning or late evening).
- Clean/or replace heating and air conditioning air filters at least once
- a month.
- Use energy intensive appliances (dryers, washers, dishwashers) in early morning or late evening.
- Turn off lights and appliances such as radio and TV when not in use.
- Minimize use of nonessential electric labor-saving devices.
- Reduce outdoor lighting to essential use only.
- Reduce wattage and number of bulbs whenever possible.
- Replace less efficient incandescent lights with fluorescent lights.
- Lower the setting on the hot water heater.
- Minimize the use of hot water; use cold water where possible.
- Install flow restrictors in shower heads to reduce water flow.
- Take short showers rather than baths.
- Repair leaky faucets.
- Air-dry dishes by turning off the dry cycle on the dishwasher.
- Run the dishwasher only when full.
- Clean the condenser coils on the refrigerator.
- Avoid frequently opening the refrigerator and freezer doors.
- Remove clothes from dryer as soon as dry (don't over dry) or line dry.
- Keep the lint screen clean on washers and dryers.
- Use oven for several items at a time.
- Select the right size burner for the size of the pan.
- Avoid using self-cleaning oven.
- When cooking on burner, use glass or ceramic pans with tight-fitting lids.
- Avoid frequently opening oven door or lifting cooking utensil lids to check cooking progress.
Commercial and industrial customers can: - Implement lighting reduction programs, such as de-lamping and replacement of incandescent or flourescent lighting with more efficient lighting.
- Reduce or curtail advertising, decorative, or functional lighting (e.g., lighting car sales lots after business hours).
- Reduce or curtail comfort heating and cooling of certain nonresidential spaces (e.g., vacant motel or guest rooms).
- Reduce or curtail indoor business lighting after closing.
- Reduce or curtail operation of swimming pool and spa pump and filter systems during peak hours.
- Reduce heating or cooling level when building is not in use.
- Install timers on light switches in little-used areas.
- Cover holes, openings, abandoned vents, and broken windows.
- Repair faulty louvers and dampers.
- Provide proper maintenance and lubrication of motor driven equipment.
- Shut off cooling water when not required.
- Clean or replace air filters regularly.
- Repair faulty insulation and doors in furnaces and boilers.
- Turn off conveyors, lift trucks, etc. when not in use.
- Recharge batteries during off-peak demand time.
- Consolidate delivery schedules.
- Turn off interior lighting, electric typewriters and computers and other such equipment when not in use.
- Reduce outdoor illumination to minimum level needed for security.
Contact us if you have additional questions.
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Energy Saving Tips Resources Change a Light - Change the World
DOE’s Energy Savers Website Helps Consumers “Stay Warm, Save Money”
[U.S. Dept. of Energy, Oct. 1] Washington – The U.S. Dept. of Energy (DOE) today, on the first day of Energy Awareness Month, launched the Stay Warm, Save Money website and educational outreach campaign to help consumers be more energy efficient and save on energy costs. Click here to visit the website.
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