Report on Energy Conservation Initiative and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Executive Summary

Central Electric Cooperative has issued a formal request to its customers for the reduction of energy consumption on Thursday, July 24, specifically during the peak demand hours of 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM. This advisory is a proactive measure in response to a National Weather Service forecast predicting a high temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit, which is anticipated to strain the electrical grid. The initiative calls for conscious energy use, aligning with global sustainability efforts.

Contribution to United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

This energy conservation initiative by Central Electric Cooperative is a practical application of several key UN Sustainable Development Goals. By encouraging responsible energy use, the cooperative and its members are actively contributing to a more sustainable and equitable future.

• SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy: The request directly supports Target 7.3, which aims to double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. By managing peak demand, the initiative helps ensure grid stability and contributes to keeping energy affordable for all community members.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: Reducing strain on energy infrastructure during extreme weather events enhances community resilience. This action aligns with Target 11.6, which focuses on reducing the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including through energy management.
• SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production: The core of the advisory is a call for responsible consumption. It encourages consumers to make conscious decisions about their energy use, directly promoting the principles of Target 12.2, which calls for the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources.
• SDG 13: Climate Action: Lowering electricity consumption during peak hours reduces the need for less-efficient power plants to come online, thereby decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. This directly supports Target 13.2, which urges the integration of climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.

Recommended Conservation Measures

To achieve the necessary reduction in energy demand, customers are advised to implement the following measures during the 1:00 PM to 7:00 PM peak period:

1. Increase thermostat temperatures by a few degrees to reduce air conditioning load.
2. Power down all nonessential electronic devices and lighting.
3. Shift the use of major appliances (e.g., washing machines, dryers, dishwashers) and other nonessential electronics to off-peak hours (after 7:00 PM).

Rationale and Projected Impact

Central Electric Cooperative emphasized that collective action, even through small adjustments, yields a significant impact on energy costs during high-demand periods. The primary rationale is economic and environmental sustainability. By decreasing electricity consumption when wholesale prices are at their highest, the community can help stabilize future power costs for all members. This collaborative effort reinforces the cooperative’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable power while promoting environmental stewardship.

Contact Information for Further Inquiries

Customers seeking additional information are directed to contact the cooperative through the following channels:

• Contact Person: Connie Long
• Telephone: 800-521-0570, extension 2132
• Email: clong@central.coop
• Website: https://central.coop/beat-peak

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

• The article directly addresses energy consumption, which is the central theme of SDG 7. The cooperative’s request to “limit energy consumption” and the goal to “stabilize future power costs” align with ensuring affordable and sustainable energy for all.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• The call for collective action by customers within a community to manage energy resources contributes to making the community’s infrastructure (the electrical grid) more sustainable and resilient, especially during periods of high demand caused by extreme weather.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

• The article is a clear call for responsible consumption. By asking customers to change their behavior—”turn off nonessential electronic devices and increase the thermostat temperature”—it promotes more efficient and sustainable use of electricity.

SDG 13: Climate Action

• The need to reduce energy consumption is prompted by a high temperature of 92 degrees Fahrenheit, an example of the extreme weather events linked to climate change. Reducing energy demand, especially during peak hours when less efficient power plants are often used, is a direct action to mitigate climate change by lowering emissions.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy

   • Target 7.1: By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services. The article’s focus on helping “stabilize future power costs for all members” directly relates to energy affordability. Managing peak demand also ensures the reliability of the power grid.
   • Target 7.3: By 2030, double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. The entire article is an appeal for energy efficiency. The request to “limit energy consumption” and make “small adjustments in when, where, and how you use electricity” is a direct effort to improve energy efficiency at the consumer level.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.6: By 2030, reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities. By managing peak electricity demand, the community reduces the strain on power generation facilities, which can in turn lower the overall environmental footprint and emissions associated with the community’s energy use.

3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

   • Target 12.2: By 2030, achieve the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources. The article encourages the efficient use of electricity, a resource generated from natural resources. The call to shift the “use of nonessential electronic devices” to off-peak hours is a strategy for sustainable resource management.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not mention official SDG indicators, but it implies several metrics that can be used to measure progress:

1. Indicator for Target 7.1 (Affordable and Reliable Energy)

   • Implied Indicator: Stability of electricity prices. The article explicitly states that reducing peak demand helps “stabilize future power costs for all members.” Progress could be measured by tracking the volatility and average cost of electricity for consumers over time.

2. Indicator for Target 7.3 (Energy Efficiency)

   • Implied Indicator: Reduction in energy consumption during peak hours. The primary request is to “limit energy consumption during peak hours of 1-7 p.m.” Progress can be directly measured by comparing electricity usage data during these hours on high-temperature days against historical averages.

3. Indicator for Target 12.2 (Responsible Consumption)

   • Implied Indicator: Level of consumer participation in demand-side management. The article is a public appeal for a change in consumer behavior. Success could be measured by the reduction in peak load, which reflects the collective action of customers shifting or reducing their electricity use.

4. Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article. In this table, list the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), their corresponding targets, and the specific indicators identified in the article.

Source: butlereagle.com