It's been a pretty mild summer so far, but the heat is on this week. We have been notified by our power supplier, Buckeye Power, that they expect full load control Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. 

This will affect those North Central members who have electric water heaters equipped with Load Control Switches. 
In addition, members who have air conditioners equipped with "Cool Returns' switches can expect their compressors to be cycled on and off throughout the load control session. This affects those with heat pumps, geothermal systems and central air conditioning systems. Remember, the compressor will be cycled off 8 to 12 minutes each 30 minutes during the control session. Your system's fan will still operate. 

We expect the load control session to last from 2 to 7 p.m. each day but this time may vary slightly. 

This peak load management effort does not mean North Central's wholesale power supplier Buckeye Power is unable to meet the electric generation needs of Ohio's 24 electric cooperatives. However, it is a significant cost-controlling method that helps keep rates in check. Averting a peak, or managing how high a peak may go, are significant factors in controlling our power costs.

Please help by reducing your energy consumption. Easy ways to do this are:

• Raise your thermostat two degrees.
• Turn off lights and appliances you aren't using.
• Delay doing laundry, running the dishwasher or using other major appliances until after 10 p.m.