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Eversource Ready for First Heat Wave of the Season

Jun 17, 2024

heat wave safety reliability

Energy company offers ways to keep cool and save energy

BOSTON and SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (June 17, 2024) – With temperatures expected to be in the 90s along with high humidity over the next several days across the region, air conditioners and fans will be working overtime at many homes and businesses. During the summer months, Eversource customers in Massachusetts use about 40% more electricity to keep cool when the mercury soars. While high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, the energy company is prepared to meet the increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that may arise. Remote system operators are also constantly monitoring the system and are ready to reroute power and shift other resources as necessary.

“Our crews are focused on working safely to ensure reliable electric service for our customers year-round, especially during these hot and humid days when many customers will have their fans and AC units running in full force,” said Eversource President of Regional Electric Operations Craig Hallstrom. “We begin preparing well in advance for the increased demand we typically see this time of year by conducting ground and aerial inspections of the electrical system so we can proactively detect and address any issues. As we all use more energy during the summer months, we also want to make sure our customers are aware of the simple steps they can take to help manage their usage and save money on their electric bills.”

Things customers can do to manage energy usage this summer:

  • Keep air conditioners set as warm as comfort allows. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1-3% less electricity.  
  • Don’t block air flow. Keep air vents and heat pump vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. 
  • Operate major appliances during the cooler parts of the day. Energy is conserved by using appliances that create heat, like clothes dryers and dishwashers, early in the morning or late in the evening. There is also less demand on the electric system during these times. 
  • Keep blinds closed to prevent unwanted direct sunlight from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
  • Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
  • Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the air more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room.
Learn more about the many energy saving programs available.

Help is available for customers who need it: Eversource encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill by calling 866–861–6225 (Eastern Massachusetts) or 877–963–2632 (Western Massachusetts), or visit the Bill Help page to find the right plan for them and enroll online.

  • The New Start Program can help income-eligible, electric and gas customers reduce or eliminate their outstanding balance in as little as 12 months when they make on-time monthly payments and Eversource will make up the difference by eliminating or forgiving a portion of the total balance enrolled in the program – reducing the amount owed each month.
  • Flexible Payment Plans are available to all customers, regardless of income, to pay their past-due balance over a period of time.
  • Budget Billing Plans are also available and can help customers avoid seasonal spikes on their energy bill by paying a fixed amount each month based on their average annual usage.
  • A Discount Rate is available to customers receiving public assistance benefits and have a household income at or below 60% of the state median income. These customers may be eligible for a 42% discount on their monthly electric bill or a 25% discount on their monthly natural gas bill.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is among the top energy companies in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2024 and recognized as a Five-Year Champion, appearing in every edition of the list. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.47 million electric customers in 140 communities, 639,000 gas customers in 117 communities, and 11,500 water customers in five communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,900 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like a first-in-the-nation networked geothermal pilot project, solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com

Priscilla Ress
413-787-1055
priscilla.ress@eversource.com

Kyle Costa
781-441-8728 
kyle.costa@eversource.com