SEVERE WEATHER OUTLOOK FROM THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE

Morris Weather: Summer Heat Message and Energy Use Tips from JCP&L

Posted Wednesday, July 17th, 2019

With a summer heat wave upon us, JCP&L says it is prepared to meet the anticipated increase in customer electricity use expected in Morris County and across the state and that its crews have reviewed hot weather operational procedures to ensure any power outages are handled promptly.

The utility offers the following “common-sense hot weather tips” for customers during this expected period of high demand:

• Set thermostats as high as comfort will allow. Every degree a customer can increase the temperature in their home will result in using about 3 percent less energy during the hottest summer days.
• During sunny weather, close drapes or blinds on windows facing the sun to prevent direct radiant heating from impacting interior temperatures.
• Use fans – moving air cools skin faster, resulting in greater comfort on hot days.
• Use a programmable thermostat to keep temperatures higher when no one is home, and to reduce the temperature before arrival back home.
• Only operate window air conditioners when someone is in the room.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers as full as possible. Frozen or cold items in the refrigerator help keep other items cool, reducing the amount of work the refrigerator has to do to maintain a lower temperature.
• Close rooms that aren’t used regularly during the summer, and close the air conditioning vents in those rooms, as well.
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest hours of the day. The less heat produced at home, the less work the air conditioner will do.
• Check air conditioner and furnace fan filters. Clogged filters waste energy and money by forcing HVAC systems to work harder than necessary.
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If summer storms result in downed wires it is important to avoid the area and immediately call JCP&L.  If you see a downed power line, always assume it is live and dangerous.  Report downed power lines immediately by calling 1-888-LIGHTSS (888-544-4877).  Extra caution should be exercised in areas where downed wires may be tangled in downed tree branches or other debris.

For updated company information, customers are urged to visit the 24/7 Power Center at www.firstenergycorp.com/outages.  They can also follow JCP&L on Twitter @JCP_L or Facebook www.facebook.com/JCPandL.