When summer heat hits New England, our regional demand for electricity spikes — especially during late afternoons when air conditioners and heat pumps are blasting. This surge is called peak power demand, and it puts a strain on the grid. “Shaving” peak power means reducing electricity use during these critical hours to ease that strain.

Why does it matter? First, meeting peak demand often requires firing up the dirtiest and most expensive power plants. This drives up costs for everyone and increases our emissions. Second, consistently high peaks can trigger costly infrastructure upgrades and reliability concerns. Peak power makes our grid dirtier and more expensive.

There are smart ways we can shave the peak. Individually, we can delay running major appliances (like dishwashers or dryers) until after 8 p.m., turn up the thermostat a few degrees in the late afternoon and evening, and use fans or shades to stay cool more efficiently. On a larger scale, businesses and utilities can install smart thermostats, shift operations and invest in battery storage.

Together, these efforts add up. By shaving peak power, Mainers can protect our environment, lower electric bills and strengthen our regional grid — helping us all stay cool without overheating the planet.

We can also get involved in a local group working to cut our costs and reduce our emissions. For me, that group is Our Power, where I’m proud to be on the team. To learn more, please visit ourpowermaine.org, sign up for our email list and look for us on social media.

Seth Berry
Bowdoinham