Now is a great time to officially put winter behind us by storing away the heavy coats and shovels for the season. Signs of spring are popping up as the transition to summer continues. Longer days and warmer temperatures can result in changes at home, possibly requiring more energy to ensure comfort. As more extreme temperatures get forecasted, energy use can reach a critical peak, specifically during busy evening hours.

Peak hours, or the time of day when energy use is highest, are most common on weekdays during the late afternoon and evening hours. This increased energy use comes as most people return home from work and start preparing dinner or doing household chores. How much energy we use in this time can quickly add up as more lights and electronics are turned on and the thermostat is lowed to cool a once empty home.  

Weather ultimately serves as the largest contributor to increased demand, and that isn't just important for your home. During a humid 90 degree day, you may lower your thermostat to keep your home comfortable. You might also come home from work and start preparing dinner while watching TV and finishing laundry. As your home uses this energy, your neighbor might be using the same amount with their routine. This energy use can be duplicated by others on your street, in your neighborhood and around your city. A need for a high volume of energy during this weather can create significant strain on the electrical grid.

Demand Response is when there is a need to balance the demand on the power grid by encouraging customers to reduce or shift energy usage out of peak hours. In response, Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) may issue an alert for a "Peak Energy Event" to customers who have voluntarily chosen to participate in one of our Power Reward programs. Customers who do opt into this voluntary program will be asked to reduce their energy use during this designated time, commonly 4 – 6 p.m. Taking such actions are voluntary and not required for customers.

              Vea: ¿Qué es la "Respuesta ante la Demanda"?

But your actions to conserve energy during peak hours can be impactful. I&M es parte de una red de energía regional más grande que es supervisada y monitoreada por una organización llamada PJM Interconnection. PJM monitors how much power is being generated by I&M and other energy providers throughout its area, covering 13-states and the District of Columbia.

PJM has the generation capacity to meet expected demand on its system during a heat wave. When there are prolonged periods of extreme heat, stress can be added to the electric system, causing challenges, which is why PJM closely monitors the situation and communicates with impacted utilities. This may lead to I&M's Peak Energy Events, where customers voluntarily conserve energy, reducing the demand on the system.

For more information on I&M’s Power Rewards Programs and additional energy-saving tips, visit www.ElectricIdeas.com.