By 1812Blockhouse
Many Ohio communities are facing difficulties over the last few weeks caused by an unseen agent.
No, we’re not talking about COVID-19. We’re talking about heat. It’s been an unusually warm and humid summer in Richland County, and air conditioners, fans, and other cooling devices have been running at full tilt.
Excessive use can lead to difficulties for energy companies. For municipal electric systems, like those in Shelby and Galion, they can have ramifications not only on systems, but on the cost of power itself.
A Peak Power Alert is issued during specific hours on specific days; in Shelby, word is sent out from the Shelby Police Department. When an alert is issued, citizens are asked to reduce the use of electricity by raising the thermostat two or three degrees on cooling devices; avoiding the use of high consumption appliances such as dryers, dishwashers, ovens, etc.; and by turning off lights in any room not in use.
The resulting reduction in load will help minimize the cost of energy/electric power transmission and capacity charges. In other words, responding to Peak Power Alerts can lower the cost of power in the future.
This month, the Shelby Police Department has issued Peak Power Alerts on July 6, 7, 8, 9, 15, and 20.
The City of Shelby has provided electricity through a city-owned system since 1890. The grid provides power to 4,879 residential, 169 commercial, and 22 industrial customers.
Source: City of Shelby; Image by Bruno /Germany from Pixabay
