Electricity use across the US on Thanksgiving holiday demonstrates unique patterns

Unusual high morning-to-midday electricity spikes were reported on Thanksgiving Day, a surge in electricity use that can be attributed to Americans using ovens and other cooking equipment to prepare holiday feasts, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said.

Electric use on Thanksgiving does not follow normal patterns. During the fall and winter seasons, the majority of regions across the United States have higher electricity use in the morning hours. The early morning surge is typical for people waking up and getting ready for the day.

Another spike is usually seen between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. when families are coming home from work, doing chores or cooking, and warming up their homes. Many commercial buildings are also often open in the evenings, consuming electricity.

The electric use patterns seen on Thanksgiving more closely follow patterns that are typical for weekend use.

The Thanksgiving Day electric patterns, EIA said, reflect activities most popular on the holiday, which include cleaning the house to prepare for gatherings and cooking the holiday meal.