Energy forecast for September 7, 2010  

About the Conservation Gauge:

The conservation gauge informs consumers about changes in the market price for electricity and the need for conservation efforts, because the next-day wholesale price for electricity is based on forecasted energy usage.

The conservation gauge you see on the home page will reflect the conservation needs for today.

The conservation gauge you see above reflects the conservation needs for the next day, which will be updated each afternoon. The weekend forecast will be posted on Friday afternoons.

There are three gauge levels: normal usage, peak usage and critical usage (see tips below).

The more co-op members participate in energy conservation measures, the greater impact we’ll have to collectively control energy costs. 

Normal Usage


During days when it’s forecasted to be a normal electricity usage day, please practice energy-conservation to help reduce your own electric bill.

Normal usage conservation tips:

• Sign up for Cycled Air Conditioning and other Energy Wise® programs
• Install a programmable thermostat
• Use compact fluorescent lights in your most frequently used rooms
• Use appliances and home electronics that have the ENERGY STAR rating
• Turn off the lights when you leave a room
• Wash laundry in cold water using cold water detergent
• Turn off or unplug appliance you are not using, especially when you’re away for a few days
• Clean or replace furnace filters one a month
• Sign up for Wellspring Renewable Wind Energy®, a clean and renewable source of energy from Lake Country Power 

Peak Usage 

Peak usage days mean electricity is forecasted to be especially high. Please conserve energy from 12:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. As summer demand surges upward, power production and delivery costs go up because more expensive power plants have to operate to meet the peaks.

Peak usage conservation tips:

• Delay running the dishwasher until 10:00 p.m. or the next morning
• Delay washing and drying clothes until after 10:00 p.m. or the next morning
• Choose meals that don’t contribute additional heat to the home
• Turn off excess lights and appliances
• Close curtains, blinds and windows to keep the hot sun and air out
• Use appliances and home electronics that have the ENERGY STAR rating
• Sign up for Cycled Air Conditioning and other Energy Wise® programs 

Critical Usage

Co-op officials are forecasting a critical usage day after all other efforts to reduce electricity demand or to increase supply have been taken. Co-ops take their responsibility to supply energy to members very seriously and have exhausted all other options to meet the demand for energy. Utilities are asking members to do everything they can to reduce energy use until further notice.

Critical usage conservation tips:

• Postpone using appliances such as washers, dryers and dishwashers until after 10:00 p.m.
• Turn off lights and appliances that are not essential to health and safety
• Turn off computers and other electrical equipment when not in use
• Keep your shades pulled and doors and windows closed during the day
• Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric oven or gas stove
• Set the thermostat on your central air conditioner to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. And sign up for Cycled Air Conditioning. Call Lake Country Power today at 800-421-9959. 
• Supplement air-conditioner use with ceiling fans and other fans, which create a wind-chill effect that increases air-conditioning cooling efficiency
• Take shorter showers
• Turn off pool pumps, dehumidifiers or pumps for water features such as ponds and fountains 

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