Utilities plan and build the electric system to have extra capacity available so customer outages are unlikely. Because of higher electrical use, this extra capacity is smaller in warm weather months, increasing the likelihood of outages. Your local utility may issue a public appeal to reduce energy use in order to prevent a power outage.
Commercial establishments can help by taking the following actions during a critical period.
Raise the thermostat setting on air conditioners 4 to 5 F. Keep window coverings drawn to keep the heat out. Turn off all nonessential lighting. Turn off nonessential equipment such as coffeepots and water coolers. If possible, delay any heat producing tasks, such as washing and drying laundry or dishes and utensils, until later in the day. Run emergency generators to reduce demand.