Oklahoma Gas and Electric saved more than $6 million for its customers who participated in the SmartHours program.
In a mailing to customers, the utility said the savings were incurred for the 2023 program season that ended September 30. The 2024 season will begin June 3, 2024.
SmartHours customers were told they helped protect the electric grid by balancing supply and demand during peak hours and created a more sustainable future.
OGE claims in its promotions that switching to SmartHours is the first step toward big and smart savings on energy. Under the program, custsomers have control over energy usage and bills. They can shift electricity use on weekdays between 2 and 7 p.m. from June 1 to September 30 and pay a lower price for electricity on the other 19 hours, as well as on weekends, Juneteenth, Independence Day and Labor Day.
Customers who enroll in the program control their thermostat and decide all electricity use. They are also encouraged to use energy conservation steps.
- Pre-cool your business by at least 4 degrees at 11 a.m., then turn up the thermostat in the afternoon at 2 p.m. and you will stay more comfortable during peak hours.
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Make sure your business is as efficient as possible, so it requires less energy to cool.
- Turn off lights, computers and monitors when not in use.
- On high-heat days, use ceiling and floor fans to help circulate air for more comfort.
- Wait to charge forklifts or stock any refrigerators or freezers during off-peak hours.
- Shut off unused lights and computers at the end of the day.