Sun and Thunder

Cape Cod News editorial staff

Extreme summer weather impacts powering up on Cape Cod - but a little planning can help the stressed power grid and the stressed power bill

"It's very simple things to do, but it  does actually make an impact, particuarly if you are able to do a few small things together that then starts adding up and you really feel the difference  ... "

— Chris McKinnon 
Spokesperson, Eversource

What impact does extreme summer weather have on power?

Cape Cod has often thought of energy use and power outages in terms of winter, blizzards, and Nor'easters, but extreme summer heat and storms now bring as much impact. On the Cape extreme thunder storms with very high winds and thunder and lightening create outages while temperatures into the 90s increasingly add extra demand on the power grid.  In fact, electrical use is 40% greater in the summer than in the winter, says Eversource spokesperson Chris McKinnon, largely do to air conditioning demands. 


What small steps can people take in the heat?

It turns out that small steps make a difference in the draw on Cape Cod's power grid -- not to mention saving money on power bills. It might not seem like much but small simple actions add up. Some easy to implement ideas include:

  • Closing blinds over windows during the heat of the day, especially on south facing windows that pull in extra solar heat
  • Setting ceiling fans to spin counter-clockwise
  • Keeping air condiioners at higher settings rather than freezing levels
  • Cooking outside on a grill rather than running an oven and heating the inside of a home


What are longer term steps to manage power use?

Cape Codders know about the need to insulate against snow and ice, but  weatherization applie to heat as well. Insulated doors, windows, and walls all help minimize energy use - keeping it warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Cape Light compact offers energy efficiency support to help address areas such as weatherization on Cape Cod.


What roles does Eversouce play?

As the energy provider to Cape Cod, Eversource manages the power grid and maintains and restores power after outages.  According to McKinnon, the company has been adding switches and sensors to make grid more responsive and respond more quickly to surges and outages. On the Cape specificially, the new Provincetown battery storage system is now up and running and brings a new way to store and manage power flow and recovery. Eversouce has also addressed power restoration issues through a year-round tree trimming program .