Borough Extends Request for Electric Power Consumption Reduction

As temperatures are expected to reach well into the upper 80s in the next few days, Ellwood City Borough electric customers are being asked to conserve power.

Borough Officials said nothing is wrong with the electric grid; they’re just trying to take every avenue to reduce costs for customers.

Ellwood City Borough customers are requested to voluntarily lower electricity usage during the peak period from 3 to 6 p.m.  today and tomorrow.

“There’s plenty of power available and the grid is in good shape, but if we can conserve during these peak hours, the Borough can save on transmission and capacity costs next year,” Bob Villella, Borough Manager for Ellwood City Borough, said. “Lowering the peak demand will help keep the Borough’s electricity rates low.”

Customers can take simple conservation steps such as: shutting off lights when not needed; unplugging small appliances and electric chargers (especially those with small lights); raising the air conditioner thermostat a degree or two; closing curtains, drapes and blinds; doing laundry and other household chores requiring electricity during hours other than 3 through 6 p.m.; and turning off televisions, computers, gaming consoles, and other electronic devices when not being used.

“As a municipal electric system, owned by its citizens and customers, it is contingent upon those same citizens and customers to keep the electric rates for themselves and all other customers of Ellwood City Power and Light as low as possible,” Bob Villella has further stated. “Our citizens and customers have the opportunity to make a difference in their system and their rates by conserving energy during the period stated for the upcoming days. As forecast dictates, we will most likely be asking our citizens and customers to again conserve energy at additional times this summer.”