Waynesville N.C. [June 23, 2025] – Haywood EMC is encouraging its member-owners to conserve energy this week by making small adjustments to their home energy use, including raising the set point of thermostats and delaying the use of large electric appliances until after 8 p.m.

These actions multiplied across thousands of households will help reduce demand for electricity at a time when extreme temperatures are causing demand to rise. Being able to mitigate the sharp increase in demand for electricity keeps the grid reliable for all Haywood EMC member-owners.

A few simple ways Haywood EMC member-owners can lower their home energy use include:

• Raise the set point of your thermostat by a few degrees, and close your blinds during the hottest part of the day to block out the sun’s rays.
• Delay the use of large appliances like dishwashers, washers and dryers until after 8 p.m.
• Turn off unnecessary lights, including outdoor lights and ambient lighting.
• Schedule electric vehicle charging for after 8 p.m. each day, or if possible later in the week when conditions are expected to improve.

Haywood EMC thanks its member-owners for taking proactive measures and will continue to keep members informed via updates to our website and social media platforms.

Haywood EMC is an electric cooperative, supplying electricity to over 29,200 member-owners in Buncombe, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Madison and Transylvania counties in NC as well as Oconee SC and Rabun GA.  For more information, visit www.haywoodemc.com or the cooperative’s social media on Facebook, Instagram or X.