Eversource Tracks Power Grids During Connecticut Heat Wave

Temperatures in Connecticut have reached triple digits, marking one of the most intense heat waves in recent history. Residents across the state are facing extreme conditions that have led to a significant increase in energy consumption as people rely heavily on air conditioning and other cooling appliances.

Eversource, the primary energy provider in Connecticut, has acknowledged the challenges posed by the rising temperatures. According to the company, customers typically use about 35% more electricity during the summer months to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. However, the current heat wave is far beyond normal conditions, causing a surge in energy usage that has raised concerns about the capacity of the electric system.

Eversource officials are closely monitoring the power grid to prevent outages and ensure reliable service. Don Scacco, President of Electric Operations at Eversource, stated that their team is actively rerouting power and managing resources to address any disruptions caused by the heat or related weather events such as thunderstorms.

Scacco also highlighted the challenges faced by the New England region, where energy supply constraints often affect affordability. The increased demand for electricity during the summer exacerbates these issues. Despite this, ISO-NE, the independent grid operator for New England, has confirmed that there is enough energy to meet peak demand both this week and in the coming weeks.

While the overall energy supply remains sufficient, Eversource acknowledges the possibility of localized issues. To mitigate these risks, ground crews are prepared to respond quickly and efficiently to any problems that may arise.

As the heat continues, Eversource is increasingly relying on its ConnectedSolutions demand response program. This initiative helps reduce strain on the local electric system during periods of high energy use. Participants in the program allow Eversource to adjust their thermostats or dispatch their batteries to lower overall energy consumption when needed.

The program is referred to as a "virtual power plant" by Eversource and has proven to be effective. Tilak Subrahmanian, Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Electric Mobility at Eversource, emphasized that customer participation in the program not only benefits those enrolled but also helps ensure reliable power for all residents during extreme weather conditions.

In a release, Eversource provided several tips for managing energy use during the heat wave and throughout the summer:

• Keep air conditioners set to the warmest temperature that is still comfortable.
• Maintain proper airflow in homes by opening windows and using fans.
• Operate major appliances during cooler parts of the day to reduce peak load.
• Close blinds to block direct sunlight from entering through windows.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR certified LED lights to save energy.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed for optimal cooling.