2022 Peak Energy Event Day Action Steps

Strategies to reduce electricity use during an Energy Event Day peak period

As the temperatures are rising, it is time to prepare for peak energy periods where we are asked to reduce electric load, and in some cases, incentivized for it by our electric utility company with credits to electricity bill. Reducing electric load in our homes and the buildings we work in reduces strain on electric grid and helps lower electricity bills. Please keep an eye out for the event day alerts and be ready to take the best steps for your location. Peak energy Event Days are usually called in advance of projected high temperature days, and alerts are usually sent the day before a declared Event Day.

Every building has a unique set of opportunities for shifting and reducing electric load during a peak energy period on an “Event Day.” Different building equipment, COVID-19 prevention operational measures, daylighting levels, work routines, occupancy levels, and schedules mean that no two buildings will (or should) respond to an Event Day in exactly the same way. DGS FMD offers the following suggestions to stimulate ideas from occupants and building staff about strategies that could work for your specific facility during the 2022 season.

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  • Reset the space’s thermostat to reduce HVAC cooling
  • Pre-cooling: Keep the facility cool during the morning and early afternoon of the Event Day so that the HVAC system does not need to work as hard between 2 and 8 p.m.
  • Chiller AC “coasting” for all or part of the peak period: For a building where people will be leaving during the peak period, turn off the chiller/ compressor sooner than normal and allow the temperature to drift upwards until after 8 p.m.
  • Other HVAC options, if controls are in place that allow them:
    • Reduce fan speeds in HVAC systems by reducing the duct static pressure setting
    • Reset supply air temperature on the HVAC controls
    • Increase the chilled water temperature setting through HVAC controls
    • Set limit on fans’ variable speed drive controls
  • Shut off HVAC in unoccupied spaces where controls allow that (conference rooms, assembly spaces)
  • Turn off lighting in unoccupied areas
  • Use bi-level light switching and dimmers
  • Use natural light longer than usual if natural light is sufficient and safe
  • Where excessive heat is generated from windows, close all blinds and drapes.
  • Turn off decorative lighting on Event Days
  • Dim lighting when/where safe including parking garages
  • Turn off all non-essential lighting

(Signage about an Event Day will help encourage occupants to take/ avoid some actions, or to explain why those actions have been taken by the building.)

  • Avoid use of heat-producing electric appliances after 4 p.m. on Event Days (coffee makers, toaster ovens, microwaves)
  • Power-down all desk-top computers, personal printers, and desktop electronics as soon as the workday ends
  • Consider powering down some central printers, shredders and copiers while maintaining enough capacity for the remaining workforce to stay productive
  • Encourage people to take the stairs when leaving for the day to save elevator trips
  • Turn off unused office equipment
  • Delay (or pre-fill) ice-making operations
  • Adjust (even slightly) thermostat settings on coolers and freezers after 4 p.m. on Event Days
  • Turn off decorative fountains
  • Consider shutting down a bank of elevators
  • Shift production (e.g., of food prep) to the morning
  • Delay battery charging (e.g., EVs, equipment and tools) until after 8 p.m.
  • Disable bathroom exhaust fans
  • Sample Flex Alert Email to Staff

Contact

Energy Savings Program

Department of General Services
Office of Sustainability

707 Third St.
West Sacramento, CA 95605

Contact Information: 

 Email: OSEnergySavings@dgs.ca.gov