How extreme summer temps impact reliability

When outdoor temperatures soar, our electricity use increases. Higher summer demand on the grid occurs because air conditioners are running longer and more often to keep homes and businesses comfortable. The grid is stressed even more because most of us tend to use electricity and draw power at the same time.

We work with Dairyland Power Cooperative, our wholesale power supplier, to ensure you have power when you need it, but the electric grid is much larger than Polk-Burnett and Dairyland.

In the summer, when more electricity is used simultaneously across the country, it's possible for electricity demand to exceed supply, especially during a prolonged heat wave. When this happens, our regional grid operator (MISO), may call on members to voluntarily reduce energy. Polk-Burnett also controls devices in our load management program to relieve pressure on the grid. We keep members informed with Beat the Peak Alerts and Load Management Alerts.

As we shared in our June Powerlines, we proactively maintain and update the grid to ensure reliability. Our solar arrays also help by generating power locally to meet high summer demand.

You can help, too!
Below are tips to beat the peak and the summer heat.
You'll save money on your electric bill and help with grid resilience. Thank you!

1. Move your thermostat up a few degrees; a fan can help you feel cooler.
2. Close curtains during the hottest part of the day to block heat from the sun.
3. Run dehumidifiers in the early morning or after 6 p.m.
4. Seal air leaks around windows and doors to keep cool air in and hot air out.
5. Wash clothes and dishes during off-peak hours when energy demand is lower.
6. Turn off unnecessary lights and electronics.
7. Charge EVs overnight.
8. Use small appliances, like slow cookers and air fryers, for cooking with less heat and energy. Better yet, grill outside!

Read more about Summer Shift and Beat the Peak, where you can enroll to receive peak alerts.