New Jersey Residents Asked to Use Air Conditioners Wisely as Heat Wave Increases Power Demand

As a powerful heat wave pushes temperatures close to the triple digits across New Jersey, energy officials are encouraging residents to think carefully before lowering their thermostats. While staying cool remains important during extreme heat, experts say making small adjustments to air conditioner settings can help reduce electricity use and ease pressure on the state’s power system.

According to officials, even a small increase of one or two degrees on a home thermostat during the hottest part of the day can make a meaningful difference when thousands of households take the same step. With temperatures remaining high throughout the afternoon and early evening, electricity demand typically reaches its highest levels between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., when many people return home and begin using cooling systems at the same time.

Cathleen Lewis of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities said that small thermostat adjustments can have a noticeable impact on overall electricity demand. Air conditioning accounts for roughly 12% of household energy use, making it one of the largest contributors to electricity consumption during the summer months. She explained that increasing the thermostat by just one degree may reduce electricity demand by approximately one to three percent. If many households make that adjustment together, the combined effect can significantly reduce stress on the electrical grid.

Utility companies are also reminding customers that cooling a home during extreme heat requires much more electricity than during milder weather. Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) noted that maintaining an indoor temperature of 75 degrees when outdoor temperatures reach 95 degrees can require about three times more electricity than cooling a home when the outside temperature is 85 degrees. As temperatures climb, air conditioning systems operate longer and work harder, resulting in increased energy consumption and higher electricity demand.

Atlantic City Electric is also encouraging customers to use energy wisely during the heat wave. The company recommends keeping indoor temperatures in the mid-to-upper 70-degree range while people are at home and raising the thermostat whenever the house is empty. Officials also suggest using programmable thermostats that automatically adjust temperatures throughout the day, helping reduce unnecessary energy use without sacrificing comfort.

In addition to thermostat adjustments, experts recommend several simple ways to lower electricity use during periods of extreme heat. Closing blinds or curtains to block direct sunlight can help keep indoor spaces cooler. Running major household appliances during cooler morning or evening hours instead of the hottest part of the day can also reduce energy demand. Ceiling fans can improve comfort by circulating cool air, allowing residents to set their thermostats slightly higher while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment.

Lewis also pointed out that every electric utility in New Jersey offers year-round demand response programs designed to reduce electricity use during periods of peak demand. Many of these programs work through smart thermostats that temporarily adjust home temperatures during critical hours. Customers who participate may receive bill credits in return for helping reduce strain on the electrical grid.

PSE&G currently offers programs such as SmartFlex and FlexPower, which allow participating customers to automatically reduce energy use during periods of high electricity demand while earning financial incentives.

Regional grid operator PJM Interconnection said it has enough available resources to meet expected electricity demand during the current heat wave, provided that all power generation systems continue operating as planned. The organization has already taken additional precautions by bringing more power generation resources online to strengthen grid reliability.

PJM also coordinated with the U.S. Department of Energy to provide utility companies with added flexibility during the period of extreme heat. One temporary measure allows large electricity users, including data centers, to switch to backup power systems when necessary. Officials say this approach is intended to reduce pressure on the electrical grid and help lower the risk of outages for residential customers.

Energy officials continue to stress that public safety remains the highest priority during periods of dangerous heat. While residents should always keep their homes at a safe and comfortable temperature, small changes in thermostat settings, combined with other energy-saving habits, can help support grid reliability and reduce overall electricity demand across New Jersey as the heat wave continues.

Sources

• New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (Official)
• Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) (Official)
• Atlantic City Electric (Official)
• PJM Interconnection (Official)
• U.S. Department of Energy (Official)