The Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency (RIEMA) reminds all Rhode Islanders that with the forecasted high temperatures and increased humidity for the rest of the week, energy use in the state will naturally increase. Voluntary energy conservation is something consumers can do to help decrease the demand on the power grid.
The following actions can help to conserve energy: • Use programmable thermostats or set air conditioner temperatures warmer when no one is home. • Use electric fans instead of air conditioners – fans use very little electricity. • Avoid heat-generating activities such as cooking or washing clothes during the hottest hours of the day. Try to schedule these activities in the morning or evening when temperatures are generally cooler and there is less demand for power. • Close drapes, blinds, and shades to block the sunlight and keep inside temperatures cooler. (South and west-facing windows get the strongest sunlight.) • Change or clean air conditioner filters so that cooling units can operate more efficiently.
In addition to energy conservation, RIEMA urges everyone to take precautions to prevent heat-related illness. View recommendations from the Department of Health at http://www.ri.gov/press/view/19832. For a regularly-updated list of available cooling centers in the State, visit www.riema.ri.gov or call 211.