Texas utilities are turning summer power conservation into something of a competition — and, in some cases, a way for customers to lower their costs.
With air conditioners running harder in extreme heat, some companies are asking Texans to ease up during the hottest hours of the day and, in some cases, are comparing a household’s electricity use with that of its neighbors.
What’s happening?
Around the state, utilities are trying a mix of summer outreach tactics — including calls, voicemails, and incentive programs — to persuade customers to cut electricity use during periods of peak demand, Spectrum Local News reported.
In San Antonio, for example, CPS Energy has reportedly been leaving voicemails urging customers to use less power than nearby households, then later showing them how they compare…