CDE Lightband prepared for the demand on it’s Power Grid

Clarksville, TN – Water conservation? Check

Fireworks ban? Check

Temperatures at record highs? Check

Power failure? Not likely.

While there are no guarantees in life, except death and taxes, CDE Lightband General Manager Brian Taylor says his utility is ready to take on the brutal summer heat, but he still preaches “conservation.”

The brutally hot temperatures in Clarksville has a lot of residents concerned about a power failure, and too much demand on the utility.

Taylor says CDE is more than ready to handle the demand, but people still need to conserve.

Here are the Ten Tips CDE Lightband recommends to consumers:

1. Set Your Thermostat For Savings – It pays to set your thermostat at the highest comfortable setting.  By setting your thermostat at a higher setting during the summer months, you can lower your power bills.
2. Change Cooling System Filters Regularly – Change the air filters of your cooling system each month.  Dirty filters can decrease the efficiency of your system.  Also, it’s a good idea to have your system professionally serviced once a year.
3. Clear The Area Around Your Outdoor Cooling Unit – Remove weeds, overgrowth, or debris from the area around the outdoor unit of your cooling system.
4. Keep Vents Clear – To prevent blockage of air flow, keep curtains, shades and furniture away from air vents.
5. Close Doors And Windows – It almost goes without saying, but keep your doors and windows shut when your cooling system is on.  Othewise, you may be paying to cool the outdoors.
6. Avoid Generating Unnecessary Heat – Turn off lights, televisions, and computers when not in use.
7. Use Fans When Possible – Early and late summer are the perfect times to take advantage of electric fans to cool your home.  The average fan costs only a few cents per hour to operate.  Ceiling fans are another great way to stay cool and can be used in conjunction with your coolling system to recirculate cooled air.  This will allow you to set your thermostat higher.
8. Block The Sunlight– Shutting blinds, drapes and shades during the hottest part of the day will keep your home cooler and reduce strain on your cooling system.  You also may want to consider reflective films and solar shade screens for windows that receive a lot of direct sunlight.
9. Plan When Cooking – try using your oven during the cooler parts of the day.  When you do use it during the heat of the day, try to cook as much of the meal as possible at one time.  When cooking on the stovetop, always keep lids on the pots and pans, especially when boiling water.  Use a microwave oven for smaller meals and portions.  A microwave requires only half the power of a standard electric range and reduces cooking time.
10. Take Advantage Of The Cooler Parts Of The Day For Housework – Household chores such as mopping, dishwashing and laundering add moisture to the air in your home that will later need to be removed by your cooling system.  These tasks are best performed during the cooler parts of the day.

Taylor appeared on WJZM 1400 Friday morning to discuss the heat and his utility.

“We’re brought two new sub-stations online this year, so we are well positioned to handle the demand we expect.  Our crews have a plan in place if there’s a problem, so I feel confident that our customers will be ok.  Of course, if a transformer blows, or a squirrel gets into the system, then power failure could occur, but that could happen at any time.”

The record temperatures are expected for the next seven days, with little chance of rain, so residents will need to do their part to help lower the strain on the power grid.

To hear the radio interview with Brian Taylor, visit www.wjzm.com/podcasts .