Eversource Energy : is Prepared for First Heat Wave of the Season and Increased Demand for Electricity

Energy company offers ways to keep cool and save energy before energy supply prices reach all-time highs next month

MANCHESTER, N.H. (July 19, 2022) - With high heat and humidity expected across the state over the next several days, air conditioners and fans will be working overtime at most homes and businesses. On average, New Hampshire customers use 25% more electricity during the summer months to keep things cool when it's sweltering outside. Although high electricity usage during a heat wave can put a strain on the electric system, Eversource is prepared to meet that increased demand and its crews are ready to respond to any outages or issues that may arise.

"We begin preparing for the increased demand we typically see during the summer months well before the hot weather arrives," said Eversource President of New Hampshire Operations Doug Foley. "By conducting ground and aerial inspections of the electrical system in the cooler months, we can detect and address any issues in advance so that our customers have reliable service during these hot summer days and throughout the year."

Help is available for customers who need it

While the updated default energy service rate for residential customers who receive their energy supply from Eversource does not take effect until August 1, the energy company encourages customers to enroll in one of its payment plans or assistance programs if they need help with their energy bill. Regardless of financial need, customers are eligible for various payment programs and can visit Eversource.com/billhelp to find the right plan for them. The energy company also offers information and tips for customers who may be considering an alternative supplier to help protect against possible scams and deceptive marketing practices.

In addition, residential customers can register for a free virtual webinar that Eversource is hosting on Tuesday, July 26, to learn more about financial assistance, payment plans, and energy efficiency programs that can help with energy bills year-round.

Actions customers can take now to beat the heat this summer:

1. Use the Cooling Calculator on Eversource.com. The tool helps customers understand how much electricity their current cooling system uses and the impact of small changes to temperature settings.
2. Use the Home Heating Index tool to check qualification for Home Performance with ENERGY STAR®. During an in-home visit, a technician will identify money-saving opportunities for customers' homes including weatherization, efficient heating and cooling equipment incentives, and attractive financing offers for eligible upgrades.

Additional tips for keeping temperatures and energy costs down in the summer:

• Keep air conditioners set at a moderate temperature that's also comfortable. For every degree higher on the thermostat, the air conditioner will use 1-3% less electricity. Using a programmable or Wi-Fi thermostat can also help manage energy usage, especially when away from home.
• Don't block air flow. Keep air vents clear of obstructions such as furniture, curtains, and rugs. For those with central air and floor vents, consider using vent deflectors to direct and increase the reach of cooled air. Keep air conditioner filters and coils clean. Dirty filters block air flow, reducing efficiency and making it harder to deliver the cool air.
• Keep blinds closed when it's hot out to prevent unwanted heat from entering a home through windows. Using curtains, shades, and blinds can lower indoor temperatures by up to 20 degrees.
• Switch to ENERGY STAR® certified LED lights. The energy-efficient bulbs run cooler and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lights.
• Set ceiling fans to rotate counterclockwise and at a higher speed in the summer to circulate the breeze more effectively, creating a cooling, wind chill effect. Since ceiling fans cool only people and not the actual room; remember to turn the fan off when leaving the room.
• Cook dinner outside. Cooking indoors heats up the kitchen and makes cooling systems work harder, so opt for cooking outdoors instead.
• Look for the ENERGY STAR rating when purchasing new appliances. Also, be sure to choose the right size when purchasing an air conditioning unit. An oversized or undersized AC unit is less effective and uses more energy.

To learn more about the energy-saving programs available, visit Eversource.com.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek 's list of America's Most Responsible Companies for 2021 and recognized as one of America's Most JUST Companies. Celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, Eversource is New Hampshire's largest electric utility, serving nearly 532,000 homes and businesses in 211 cities and towns, and also supplies water to approximately 10,200 homes and businesses in seven communities. Eversource is proud to be recognized as the #1 contributor to United Way in New Hampshire. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,200 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
William Hinkle
603-634-2228
[e-mail]