Electricity Shortages Possible With June 2024 Heat Wave in Maine

Maine, as well as most of New England, is right smack-dab in the middle of a heat wave, the likes of which we haven't seen in several years.

And while we often take for granted the flow of electricity in times like these, it's not always that easy.

As the temperatures climb, so too does the strain on our power grid.

As people are turning on air conditioners all at the same time and fridges and freezers are working overtime to keep are perishables cold, it creates an added draw of power that our grid normally doesn't have to contend with.

ISO-New England actually declared a low-level emergency on Tuesday due to some power plants being unable to generate electricity, according to an article published by the Kennebec Journal.

Then on Wednesday, ISO-New England actually put out a 'power caution' alerting consumers of the grid's electricity to try an exercise as-needed use of their power. The company said that a power caution is basically an advisory to consumers that the demand of electricity is likely to exceed the available power being generated.

But, what is one supposed to do when the heat index is forecast to reach 105 degrees? Therein lies the question. Are we supposed to keep the air off and suffer through the heat with basic window fans?

Well, not exactly. Experts say that one of the best things you can do is to try and get and keep your home or office cool before the heat hits. Things like keeping your blinds drawn to protect from the sun and opening windows at night while it's cool but closing them in the morning are both great ways to keep and maintain a cooler climate in your home.

All-in-all, it is there mission to make sure the electricity we need is there when we flip the switch, but it never hurts to do our part to try and conserve as much as we can when we can. Not only does it help the power-producers, it also helps our wallets, too!