ST. MARYS (8-23-21) – As temperatures are expected to reach well into the 90s in the next few days, St. Marys electric customers are being asked to conserve power.

There is nothing wrong with the electric grid or infrastructure. This reduction in consumption request is being made to take every avenue to reduce costs for customers. As such, customers are requested to voluntarily lower electricity usage during the peak period from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021.

Safety-Service Director Greg Foxhoven said-

“There’s plenty of power available and the grid is in good shape, but if we can conserve during these peak hours, the city can save on transmission and capacity costs next year. Lowering the peak demand will help keep the city’s electricity rates low.”

Customers can take simple conservation steps such as shutting off lights when not needed; unplugging small appliances and electric chargers (especially those with small lights); raising the air conditioner thermostat a degree or two; closing curtains, drapes and blinds; doing laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during hours other that 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.; and turning off televisions, computers and other electronic devices when not being used.

Foxhoven added –

“As a municipal electric system, owned by its citizens and customers, it is contingent upon those same citizens and customers to keep the electric rates for themselves and all other customers of St. Marys as low as possible. Our citizens and customers have the opportunity to make a difference in their system and their rates by conserving energy during the periods stated for the upcoming days. As forecast dictates, we will most likely be asking our citizens and customers to again conserve energy on Wednesday afternoon.”

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