Beat the Heat and Save: Managing Peak Demand Together

Consider using the "delay-start" or "Eco" setting on appliances. (Photo: Mark Gilliland)

“Peak Demand” or “Peak Energy Times” refer to periods when many people in our community use electricity simultaneously—typically afternoons and evenings in summer, and mornings in winter. Electricity costs more during these high-demand periods than during “off-peak” times, directly influencing our cooperative’s rates. By reducing our collective usage during peak times, we can maintain affordable electricity prices and keep costs down for all members.

Why It Matters

Because demand levels determine our electricity costs, controlling peak usage keeps power affordable and conserves energy.

When you visit our website, watch for the “Peak Alert” monitor. If the needle moves into the red zone, that’s your signal to take action. During normal conditions, the needle remains in the green zone. When the needle moves to the yellow zone, it may be an opportunity for you to be more strategic in managing your electric use.

By shifting your energy consumption to off-peak times, you can save on your energy bill and help our cooperative save on costs associated with purchasing additional energy at higher rates or help us avoid building new generation facilities, which can add even more cost in the long run.

To be wiser about when and how to use your energy, especially during times of peak demand, consider the following actions:

• Raise your thermostat a few degrees during summer peak hours. The optimal temperature to keep your house comfortable and humidity levels low is 78 degrees.

• Run dishwashers and washing machines during off-peak times. Consider using a delayed start on appliances that feature this option.

• Use cold water for laundry and air-dry dishes when possible. Many laundry soaps are formulated for high-efficiency and cold-water washing. Allowing dishes to air-dray means less work for you…wash, set dishes in a dish rack…and enjoy a little extra free time!

• Turn off and unplug unused electronics and appliances. Energy “vampires” are appliances and devices that can suck energy…even when they are not in use.

• Delay charging electric devices until nighttime hours. Recharge yourself AND your smart devices while you sleep.

• Use ceiling fans instead of lowering your air conditioning. Ensure your fans are moving in the correct direction for the season: Set the fan counterclockwise to create a downdraft and cooling breeze in the summer; clockwise in the winter to create an updraft to circulate warm air throughout the room.

Even small adjustments in your daily routine can make a significant difference when we work together. The collective effort of our membership is what makes the biggest impact on controlling costs.

Are you saving with the Switch Makes Cents load management program?

Switch Makes Cents Program

We believe that the greenest kilowatt is the one you never have to use! Join our load management program to take advantage of special rates while helping stabilize cooperative costs. We’ll install a switch on qualifying equipment (air conditioners, water heaters, electric heating systems) that allows brief interruptions during peak times.

The interruptions are typically short enough that you won’t notice them, but they make a substantial difference in our overall demand. This program saves you money, reduces power plant emissions for a cleaner environment, and saves our cooperative in purchased power costs.

Ready to become an active member in controlling electricity costs? Contact our Member Services team or visit our website and search “Switch Makes Cents” for more details on the program.

Start Saving with Your Co-op

Our team is happy to answer questions about your bill and provide personalized suggestions for managing your energy use.

Together, we can beat the peak and ensure affordable, reliable electricity for our community.