Date: Fri 19-Jul-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: KAAREN

Quick Words:

NU-heat-energy-conservation

Full Text:

Northeast Utilities Urges Energy Saving Measures

This week's hot, humid weather is causing air conditions to hum all over

Connecticut, creating more demands on the state's power supply.

To prevent this drain on the power supply from causing brownouts, Northeast

Utilities has asked local town officials to remind residents and businesses to

follow a few, simple steps to conserve energy.

It is particularly important that electricity be minimized when demand is at

its highest, generally between noon and 6 pm, according to the power company.

First Selectman Bob Cascella has released a list of energy-saving steps at the

request of the utility, which is concerned about power outages because its

three nuclear power plants at the Millstone Point complex in Waterford have

been shut down for safety reasons, leaving it with a third less generating

capacity than it had last year.

The following are ways residential customers can conserve energy:

Raise the temperature setting or turn off air conditioning during peak

periods. Make sure air conditioner filters are clean.

Use fans instead of air conditioning during peak hours. Close blinds or drapes

to keep the heat of the sun out.

Wash and dry clothes in the evening, or hang clothes outside to dry.

Instead of using an electric stovetop or oven, microwave food or grill

outside.

Turn off unnecessary lighting. Avoid using appliances like second

refrigerators.

Install timers on electrical equipment and appliances, such as swimming pool

filters, spa filters, waterbed heaters, and air conditioners so they do not

run during peak hours.

NU also is asking commercial and industrial customers to turn off unnecessary

or noncritical electrical equipment during the day, precool facilities early

in the morning, schedule operations for nights and weekends when possible, and

back up computer files frequently.

If there is a brownout, turn off all appliances except one light (so you will

know when the power is restored). When power is restored, progressively turn

on all equipment to prevent a power surge. Having a standard telephone

available also might be a good idea, since cordless phones often do not work

during outages.