By Patrick Tepoorten

East Central Energyís (ECE) Tony Minnichsoffer reported on Monday that, as far as he can tell, ECE avoided any ìpeakî problems associated with last weekendís heat wave.

With temperatures in the high 90s and even in the 100s in some places, demand for energy was high. The situation was not helped by a malfunctioning transmission line coming down out of Canada. Overall though, Minnichsoffer reported that the ìgridî performed well.

Since it is doubtful the area will get through the summer without another such heat wave, Minnichsoffer offered some tips to keep energy costs down in both the short and long term.

In the here and now, he recommends the ìWait ëTil 8î philosophy, which encourages consumers to put off using appliances until after 8 p.m., thus reducing the amount of energy needed during those peak hours of the day.

Doing so can not only assist air conditioners (AC) in keeping the house cool, but also helps reduce the chances that ECE will be forced to buy energy off the grid at inflated costs.

Minnichsoffer also suggests making sure AC fans are running efficiently and that filters are clean. If shade can be provided for an AC unit it can also help the unit run more efficiently.

More simple suggestions include making sure all windows and doors are shut tight, shades are drawn, and any unneeded lights are turned off.

In the long term there are a number of things consumers can do to keep bills down for themselves and others.

ECE offers energy management programs like ìcycled AC,î which allows ECE to control individual AC units remotely. Doing so allows ECE to manipulate usage so that all local AC units arenít running at the same time. Minnichsoffer said that most people hardly notice their unit turning on and off but the program provides significant savings for customers.

He also suggested homeowners look into air source and ground source heat pumps, which essentially allow AC units to run backwards and pump warm air pulled either from the air or the ground into homes.

It allows people to use natureís energy during the fall and spring, instead of more expensive furnace provided heat. These pumps can also be used during milder times of the winter.

For more information regarding any of the programs or tips mentioned here, call ECE at 1-800- 254-7944.