Central Georgia EMC encourages members to save energy every day. However, during Load Management Season, extra energy-saving measures to reduce electricity use and costs down are sensible. CGEMC conservation gauges, will inform customers when increased demand for electricity drives up wholesale power costs. Taking extra energy-saving measures during these times can help keep future electricity prices lower for all members.

Load Management Season runs from June through August on weekdays when the temperature is expected to be 95 degrees or greater, from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., when peak demand is highest. Load Management Switches, when activated, cycle off participating customers’ outside air-conditioning unit for seven out of every 30 minutes. During that time, the inside fan will continue to run, circulating the air inside the home. Additionally, the switches cycle off participating customers’ water heaters for the duration of peak demand.

CGEMC customers can be prepared for conservation actions during Load Management Season by knowing what to do for normal, elevated and peak use phases. The conservation gauge, located at www.cgemc.com, will be updated every afternoon during the Load Management Season to reflect conservation needs for that day. There are three gauge levels: normal use, elevated use, and peak use.

Normal Usage

No special energy-saving measures are necessary. Still, CGEMC encourages customers to find ways to conserve energy in their homes every day.

Here are some tips to get you started:

• Install ENERGY STAR® compact fluorescent light bulbs in as many light fixtures as possible
• Purchase ENERGY STAR appliances and home electronics
• Wash laundry in cold water, using cold-water detergent
• Clean or replace furnace filters at least once a month
• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Do not set your thermostat below 78 degrees

Elevated Usage

Electricity use is forecast to be higher than normal. As a result, CGEMC is promoting wise energy use. By working
together to reduce energy use, we can help keep power costs down; therefore, CGEMC is asking customers to voluntarily
conserve energy from noon until 10 p.m. with the following tips:

• Instead of using the oven to prepare meals, try grilling, making meals in the microwave, or dining out
• Turn off lights, appliances, and other electric items that are not needed
• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees or higher

Peak Usage

CGEMC and regional utilities are in a temporary period of peak electricity use, and CGEMC is asking customers to do everything they can to reduce electricity use. Peak energy use often results from unique circumstances, such as prolonged
periods of extreme weather or excessive transmission constraints. Working together, we can greatly reduce the economic impact of these circumstances.

• CGEMC’s Load Management Program, “The Switch,” will be running to cycle off the heat pump and central air-conditioner compressors for about seven and one half minutes each half-hour. Electric water heaters may turn off for up to five hours.
• Instead of using the oven to prepare meals, try making meals in the microwave or dining out
• Turn off all unnecessary indoor and outdoor lights
• Set your thermostat to 78 degrees

How Do I Participate in Load Management ?