Normal Usage

Today is forecasted to be a normal electricity usage day, which means no special energy-conservation measures are necessary. Still, Dakota Electric encourages members to find ways to conserve energy in their homes everyday. Following are some tips to get you started.

• Join the more than 40,000 members on Cycled Air. Sign up today
• Install a programmable thermostat
• 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
• Turn off or unplug appliances you are not using, especially when you are away for a few days
• Clean or replace furnace filters at least once each month
• Make sure you have your computer's energy-saving feature turned on
• Visit our conservation page for more tips and energy-saving resources
• Sign up for ENERGY WISE® off-peak programs
• Turn off lights when you leave a room
• Place child safety plugs in unused outlets to stop air flow through the outlet holes

Thank you for your help conserving energy.

Peak Usage

Electricity use is forecasted to be especially high today due to circumstances such as high temperatures and humidity. As a result, Dakota Electric is incurring high wholesale energy costs and promoting wise energy use to reduce the impacts. By working together to reduce energy use, we can help keep power costs down; therefore, Dakota Electric is asking members to voluntarily conserve energy from noon until 10 p.m. with the following tips:

• Delay running the dishwasher until 10 p.m. or the next morning
• Instead of using the oven to prepare meals, try grilling, making meals in the microwave or dining out to keep from adding heat to your home
• Delay washing and drying clothes until 10 p.m. or the next morning
• Close curtains and blinds early in the day to keep the sun out
• Turn off extra lights and appliances
• Turn off appliances and other electric items that are not needed. Do not forget pool pumps, dehumidifiers or pumps for water features such as ponds and fountains
• Join the more than 40,000 members on Cycled Air. Sign up today (link to http://www.dakotaelectric.com/ac_chart.asp)
• Learn more about Wait ‘til Late and the impact of increased usage days

Thank you for your help conserving energy today!

Critical Usage

Dakota Electric and regional utilities are in a rare and temporary period of critical electricity usage. Critical usage often results from unique circumstances such as extreme regional electricity demand requirements, prolonged periods of hot weather or excessive transmission constraints. Working together, we can greatly reduce the economic impacts of these circumstances. Dakota Electric is asking members to do everything they can to reduce energy using the following suggestions:

• Instead of using the oven to prepare meals, try grilling, making meals in the microwave or eating out to keep from adding heat to your home
• Turn off all unnecessary indoor and outdoor lighting
• Turn off and unplug computers, home entertainment equipment and other electronic equipment including chargers for cell phones, MP3 players and PDAs.
• Delay running the dishwasher until after 10:00 p.m.
• Turn the thermostat up a couple of degrees to 78° F or higher
• Use fans to increase cooling efficiency
• Delay the use of clothes washer and dryer until after 10:00 p.m.
• Turn off appliances and other electric items that are not needed. Do not forget pool pumps, dehumidifiers or pumps for water features such as ponds and fountains
• Close curtains and blinds early in the day to keep the sun out
• Take shorter showers

Thank you for your help conserving energy today!