Customer Newsletter, July 2010

EnergyWise Tip: Operate Your Appliances When Energy Demand Is Low

Nebraska's electric system must be flexible to supply reliable power to homes, businesses, and industries under a wide variety of conditions. This takes a complex system of power plants, substations, transmission and distribution lines to get energy to where it needs to go.

As an energy consumer, there are many things you can do to reduce energy usage, particularly during hot days in the summer months when demand for electricity is typically at its highest. These EnergyWise tips include:
  • When temperatures top 90° F, find ways to reduce your energy usage from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. when energy usage is typically at its highest
  • Raise your thermostat to a higher setting and turn on fans
  • Close drapes on windows that face the sun
  • Grill supper outdoors or use your microwave instead of the stove top or oven
  • Delay dishwashing and laundry until after 8 p.m.
  • Unplug appliances and shut off lights that are not in use
  • Do any baking early in the morning before it gets hot outside
  • Shower early in the morning or later in the evening
Since your rates are based on cost-of-service, your actions can help avoid running higher cost generation during these peak times, thus helping to keep rates in check. These actions and other energy reduction practices can help lower your electric bill.

Other stories you'll find inside this edition:
  • US Senate Vote to Halt EPA Regulation of Greenhouse Gases Fails
    • On June 10th, the US Senate voted on a resolution introduced by Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, which would have blocked the EPA from regulating greenhouse gas emissions through the Clean Air Act. The resolution failed by a narrow margin, with a vote of 47-53. More>>>
  • Generlink
    • New program to be offered to SPD customers. More>>>
  • Message of Electrical Safety is Spreading!
    • The past few months have been very busy for Southern's Safety Director Darrel Schmidt and linemen from across the District, as they work to help share the importance of electrical safety. More>>>
  • Severe Weather Impacts SPD Customers in June
    • Severe weather impacted customers across Southern's service territory, with a storm that produced tornadoes, high winds and lightning on June 11th. More>>>
  • Summer 2010: A Busy Time for Projects at SPD
    • Crews all across the District are working hard this summer to keep the ball rolling on a number of construction projects. More>>>
  • Online Payment Option Available
    • You can pay your electric bill 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and from ANY location. More>>>
  • Keep Food Safe During a Power Outage
    • We've all been there: a summer storm rolls through, toppling trees and damaging power lines. Although it may be a matter of minutes before power is up and running, thawing food in the refrigerator and freezer can make that relatively short time seem like an eternity. More>>>