RE: Peak shaving amid freezing temperatures

ST. MARYS – As temperatures are expected to drop close to zero in the next few days, St. Marys Municipal Electric customers are being asked to conserve power to help lower future electric bills. While the grid remains strong, the reduction in electric use during this time period will help reduce costs for customers. Customers are requested to voluntarily lower electricity usage during the peak period from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesday, January 22 and continuing through the day on Wednesday.

Lowering peak demand will help keep transmission costs down next year. Customers can take simple conservation steps such as: avoiding using electric space heaters, lowering the thermostat to 68 degrees, shutting off lights when not needed; doing laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during hours other than 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and turning off televisions, computers and other electronic devices when not being used.