Utilities See Shift in Winter Electrical Demand

According to a report by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), wintertime energy demand is set to rise due to the growing shift toward electrically-powered heating devices.

Traditionally, summer months have shown a higher peak in demand because of air conditioners. But now, the report predicts that a growing number of utilities nationwide will see electricity rise during the winter months instead.

One factor driving the shift is solar energy, which is becoming more popular. The demand for power from utility companies is diminished when solar power is implemented, reducing summer utility bills. Another factor of the reduced shift is the decrease in natural gas use. A growing number of homes and businesses are opting for electric heat pumps, electric space heaters, and electric water heaters, which are all typically used more in the winter months. These electrical devices can oftentimes be used instead of gas-fired appliances.

ACEEE has referred to state policymakers and regulators to create utility goals, which will reduce winter peak demand prices. Utility companies and city administrators should apply existing programs to correlate technology with new measures to reduce winter peak demand. Weatherization and home retrofit funding should also be a top priority.

Utility companies can implement energy-efficiency measures to winterize homes and enhance heating and energy use. Smart controls are one way utility companies can help customers monitor their usage. Also, demand-response measures such as electrical grid water heaters, electric vehicle charging, and battery systems can also help.

Homes that are better equipped to handle winter weather had higher-performing heat pumps and water-heating systems than others. These efficient homes could reduce winter peak by up to 12 percent. To add to that number, deep retrofits, smarter commercial HVAC controls, and intelligent technology systems can reduce peak demand during polar vortexes by up to 34 percent.

By implementing more efficient space heating, water heating, ventilation, lighting, and more, homes can reduce the electrical impact on the total grid.

J&P Electrical is a full-service electrical equipment company. At J&P, we supply contractors, end-users, and supply houses with new surplus, quality reconditioned, and obsolete electrical equipment. We also purchase a wide range of electrical equipment such as bus plugs, ducts, panel switches, substations, and transformers. Call us at 877-844-5514 or visit us at https://www.jpelectricalcompany.com.

Written by the digital marketing staff at Creative Programs & Systems: www.cpsmi.com.