PSEG Long Island Prepared to Meet Customer Demand in Extreme Heat

Plans to activate voluntary air conditioner cycling program to create savings for customers

(UNIONDALE, N.Y. – July 27, 2020) – With temperatures of 90 degrees and higher forecasted for today and tomorrow, PSEG Long Island is prepared for the extreme heat and encourages its customers to be ready as well.

PSEG Long Island continues to expect to have enough electric capacity to meet customer demand for the high temperatures and high humidity. While there are no capacity concerns, PSEG Long Island will be activating its voluntary Smart Savers Thermostat program, as necessary, to reduce loading on the system and create future savings for customers.

“The highest level of electric demand this year determines how much power we have to purchase next year. Implementing this voluntary program will potentially lower our peak demand on some of the hottest days,” said Michael Voltz, director of energy efficiency and renewable energy for PSEG Long Island. “This will help generate savings for our customers in the future.”

PSEG Long Island’s Smart Savers Thermostat program saves participants money this year and potentially lowers customers’ bills next summer. PSEG Long Island must purchase power in advance, basing the amount on load forecasts and state-mandated capacity requirements that incorporate peak-usage levels from previous years. By reducing peak usage this year, the company lowers the amount of power that must be purchased in advance for next summer.

Approximately 18,500 customers who have elected to participate in this program may experience on- and off-cycling of their central air conditioning systems, or a small increase in temperature, between the hours of 3 and 6 p.m. today, July 27, and potentially on subsequent days, depending on the weather.

As an example, the conservation program shaved about 28 MW off peak demand when it was activated on July 30, 2019, reducing by $1.65 million the cost of power capacity PSEG Long Island purchased for this year. Activating the Smart Savers Thermostat program also allows PSEG Long Island to maintain an up-to-date assessment of the program’s capability to reduce demand on peak load days.

To limit the impact of hot weather and better manage electric usage, use power as efficiently as possible to keep cool and keep energy costs down. PSEG Long Island recommends the following tips for customers:

• Run major appliances such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and pool pumps in the morning or late evening to avoid peak demand hours of 2 to 8 p.m.
• Put air conditioners on timers and don't let them run when not at home
• Set air conditioners at 78 degrees or higher if health allows
• Use fans to circulate cool air, which helps cut air conditioner use
• Make sure you have replaced filters and that A/C coils are clean
• Set refrigerators and freezers at most efficient temperatures

High temperatures and high electric demand can sometimes cause scattered heat-related outages. PSEG Long Island has significant resources available and will address outages as quickly and safely as possible. Customers who experience an outage should call 1-800-490-0075.

Stay connected:

• Download the PSEG Long Island mobile app to report outages and receive information on restoration times, crew locations and more
• To report an outage and receive status updates via text, text OUT to PSEGLI (773454) or visit us online at www.psegliny.com/outages
• To report an outage or downed wire call PSEG Long Island’s 24-hour Electric Service number: 800-490-0075 or use our web chat feature at www.psegliny.com
• Follow PSEG Long Island on Facebook and Twitter to report an outage and for updates before, during and after the storm
• Visit PSEG Long Island’s outage information across Long Island and the Rockaways online at https://mypowermap.psegliny.com 

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PSEG Long Island
PSEG Long Island operates the Long Island Power Authority’s transmission and distribution system under a long-term contract. PSEG Long Island is a subsidiary of Public Service Enterprise Group Inc. (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), a publicly traded diversified energy company.