As Central Florida experiences an extended stretch of extreme heat, electricity usage has surged across the region, pushing power demand to record-breaking levels. The Orlando Utilities Commission (OUC) is urging customers to take proactive steps to reduce strain on the grid and manage their energy costs during this high-demand period.
Record-Breaking Energy Demand in Central Florida
On July 29, OUC’s St. Cloud service area recorded an all-time high demand of 293 megawatts (MW), surpassing a previous record set just one day earlier. In Orlando, customers matched a peak demand of 1,349 MW, originally set in 2023. With temperatures climbing into the upper 90s and heat indexes exceeding 110°F, the demand for air conditioning has significantly increased.
To support the reliability of the power grid and help customers control their electric bills, OUC is offering a range of energy conservation tips.
Tips to Reduce Peak Energy Demand
Avoid using multiple high-energy appliances at the same time:
Stagger household chores: Wait to run the dryer until the oven has cooled down. Run the dishwasher after finishing laundry. Also, avoid using the oven, dishwasher, and pool pump simultaneously.
Ways to Lower Your Electric Bill
Set the thermostat fan to “auto”: This setting ensures the fan runs only when needed, improving efficiency.
Change A/C filters regularly: Dirty filters reduce airflow and force systems to work harder.
Use a smart thermostat: Automatically adjust the temperature when you’re away from home.
Target 78°F or higher: Each degree lower can increase cooling costs by 6–8%. Try adjusting one degree at a time to acclimate gradually.
Use ceiling fans: They create a wind-chill effect, allowing you to feel cooler without adjusting the thermostat.
Block out the heat: Use blinds, curtains, or window film to reduce solar heat gain, especially on east- and west-facing windows.
Seal cool air in: Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible.
Additional Appliance and Water Heating Tips
Run full loads: Use dishwashers and washing machines only when fully loaded to maximize efficiency.
Lower water heater temperature: Setting it to 125°F or below can reduce energy use.
Air dry when possible: Skip the dryer when feasible. If you must use it, avoid overloading for better airflow and performance.
OUC Assistance Programs
OUC offers several support programs to assist customers in managing their bills, including: OUC Power Pass, budget billing & payment plans: Helps spread costs more evenly across the year, and Project CARE: Provides emergency assistance to those experiencing financial hardship.
Customers can explore more resources and tools at ouc.com/hotweathertips.
To further support customers, OUC will soon introduce PeakSHIFT, a new program designed to give users more control over their energy usage during peak periods. The initiative aims to reduce overall demand and enhance the long-term reliability of electric service across the region.
With high temperatures expected to persist, OUC encourages customers to stay energy-aware and make small changes that can lead to big savings.