Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

LeftInTX

(35,031 posts)
18. The grid doesn't shut down every summer!
Fri Jul 3, 2026, 04:50 PM
11 hrs ago

However, we are encouraged to keep our thermostats at 78 etc
We're also discouraged from using major appliances during peak hours.
They're just blowing hot air at Mandami.


High as is "safe and comfortable" is usually around 82 degrees for a home when the grid is stressed.
78 is acceptable for general energy conservation and lowering bills.

Of course, it's hard to do housework at 82 degrees, but it's workable.


This is from the State of Texas.
https://ftp.puc.texas.gov/public/puct-info/waystosave/Ways_to_Save-Electricity.pdfhermostat & Temperature Control
Set your thermostat as high as is safe and comfortable on hot days.
Set your thermostat as cool as is safe and comfortable on cold days.
Use a programmable or smart thermostat to better manage temperature settings; this can save
significantly on heating and cooling costs annually.
Use ceiling and room fans to help cool rooms efficiently. Turn off fans when you leave the room.
In winter, set ceiling fans to rotate clockwise; in summer, counterclockwise to optimize airflow.
Heating, Cooling & Insulation
Clean or replace your HVAC air filter regularly to ensure efficient circulation.
Schedule regular HVAC maintenance beyond filter changes.
Seal or install weather stripping on doors, windows, ductwork, and pipes.
Properly insulate walls, attics, and water heaters to reduce heat loss.
Close drapes or shades on extremely hot or cold days to maintain indoor temperature.
Close the fireplace damper when not in use.
Plant shade trees or install exterior shading to reduce cooling needs in summer.
Appliance Use & Efficiency
Use large appliances like washing machines, dryers, and dishwashers during off-peak hours.
Only run large appliances when they are full.
Wash clothes in cold water to save energy.
Air-dry clothes and dishes when possible.
When shopping for appliances, choose energy-efficient ENERGY STAR® models.
Use smart power strips to eliminate “phantom load” energy waste from electronics.
Lighting & Electronics
Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.
Unplug electronics when away for extended periods.
Use energy-efficient LED light bulbs instead of incandescent or CFL bulbs.
Water Heating
Set your water heater to a safe and comfortable temperature.
Insulate hot water pipes and your water heater to minimize heat loss.
Cooking & Daily Habits
Use a microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer instead of a full oven for small meals.
Monitor energy use with smart meters or apps for real-time feedback.
Audits & Programs
Conduct an energy audit of your home or business.
Check with your electric provider about energy audit programs.
Check with your electric provider for energy efficiency programs or rebates

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

As long as it is mandated for all NYC government offices, it seems reasonable MichMan Thursday #1
So would they rather New York be like Texas and have citizens die as the electrical grid shuts down every summer ChicagoTeamster Thursday #2
Ted Cruz Mocked California For The Same Thing BEFORE The Texas Grid Failure DrFunkenstein 17 hrs ago #14
Then ol trash talkin Ted ran to Mexico in the winter while his constituents froze ChicagoTeamster 17 hrs ago #15
The grid doesn't shut down every summer! LeftInTX 11 hrs ago #18
Yes. SSJVegeta 1 hr ago #26
Trump doesn't give a damn about affordability newdeal2 Thursday #3
How long has he been in office? not a texan Thursday #4
I believe that authority would fall under Gov. Hochul MichMan Thursday #5
We set AC to 78 when temps are 90 or better. Lower and it just runs all day Lettuce Be Thursday #6
Even the GOP recommends this in many areas. They're just being jerks. LeftInTX 11 hrs ago #19
The US Department of Energy makes the same recommendation. I guess that makes Trump a commie Hassin Bin Sober 3 hrs ago #23
LOL!!! That's crazy LeftInTX 2 hrs ago #24
Mamdani and other Democrats need to call them out on this! LeftInTX 1 hr ago #27
78 is perfectly comfortable, also this is a reasonable request for New Yorkers FakeNoose 5 hrs ago #22
Do you know who doesn't handle blackouts very well? Buddyzbuddy Thursday #7
businesses should be required to turn off lights and lit signs when closed. Blues Heron Thursday #8
One of the local university's dining halls seems to leave its multiple TVs on Alice B. 7 hrs ago #21
He's in great company. They mocked Jimmy Carter for wearing a sweater. n/t TygrBright Thursday #9
This goes back to the '70s. These idiots are short-term memory dumbfucks who know fuck-all about science and history. Karasu Yesterday #10
So the GOP are against everything from a Democrat Bev54 Yesterday #11
Exactly! LeftInTX 11 hrs ago #20
I guess they think everyone is as brain dead as they are, state of stupid Yesterday #12
We keep ours at 77. It's not exactly comfortable but it's better than +80. cstanleytech Yesterday #13
How come the "smaller bites of food; no avocado toast; stop with the $5 coffee every day" crowd don't get called Aristus 16 hrs ago #16
What gets me (again) is the sheer hypocrisy robbob 16 hrs ago #17
Desperate idiocy. pat_k 2 hrs ago #25
Latest Discussions»Latest Breaking News»Mamdani mocked by GOP for...»Reply #18