According to the National Weather Service, New Braunfels will be placed under an excessive heat warning over the next several days, with temperatures reaching a high of 107 degrees on July 19.
Due to the forecasted temperatures of over 100 degrees, air conditioning units will be working harder than usual, which can lead to more electricity use and a higher utility bill.
On June 13, the Electric Reliability Council of Texas issued its first Weather Watch to inform Texans that they are forecasting increased demand due to the higher temperatures expected this week and into next week.
“Grid conditions are normal when we issue a Weather Watch,” ERCOT President and CEO Pablo Vegas said. “ERCOT continues to monitor conditions closely, deploy all available tools to manage the grid, and continue our reliability-first approach to operations, always prioritizing grid reliability.”
New Braunfels Utilities shared some energy-sharing tips to try and keep the cost of residents' bills low while summer temperatures climb.
- Use blackout curtains to keep the heat out of the home, and close all curtains and shutters.
- Run ceiling fans counterclockwise, which pushes cooler air down and hot air up.
- Wear cool, lightweight clothing and utilize lighter-weight sheets and blankets at night.
According to NBU, tips for operating your thermostat efficiently include:
- Set your thermostat at a temperature you can tolerate, providing humidity control if needed. The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall electric bill.
- Keep your house warmer than normal when you are away, and lower the thermostat setting when you return home and need to cool down.
- Avoid setting your thermostat colder than normal when turning on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.
More resources to beat the heat can be found at nbutexas.com/conservation.
