The Burlington Electric Department issued a “Defeat the Peak” alert for the hours of 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Monday, encouraging residents to reduce their energy usage during a period of “extreme regional temperatures.”
Its recommendations include raising thermostat temperatures or turning off air conditioners; turning off non-essential lights; waiting to use large appliances such as washing machines, dryers and dishwashers; and avoiding charging electric vehicles.
The department started the Defeat the Peak program in 2017 as a way to reduce electricity costs for Burlington residents. Since energy usage peaks in the summer, a large portion of the department’s costs are determined by how much energy people use during this time. Reducing energy usage on particularly hot days can help to curb utility costs.
“We encourage our customers to participate knowing that even small, individual steps add to our community effort to reduce costs and protect our environment,” said Darren Springer, general manager of BED, in a press release Monday.
— Jenna Peterson